Hakadal-born Nima Shahinian has begun an astronaut training program in Russia that can help him become the first Norwegian in space.
The first Norwegian in space?
Nima Shahinian has begun his biggest adventure yet: to become Norway’s first astronaut. The father of two, who lives in St. Hanshaugen, has begun his basic training at Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, near Moscow. His ultimate goal will be to become a member of the International Space Station.
Shahinian was pleased that he was a step closer to the stars. “After several years of preparations, it is good to finally be in place in Star City, and take the first step on the road that I hope will end with me traveling to the space station” he was quoted as saying by NTB. These preparations, stretching back two years, have largely been in secret. The 39-year-old will start his own race to space with an intensive week-long round of training.
Father, Afghanistan veteran, industrial designer and…astronaut?
The Russian (Roskosmos), European (ESA), and United States (NASA) space agencies often train their astronauts at the Star City complex. Shahinian hopes to become part of the ESA crew for the ISS and be the first former civilian to spacewalk.
Should Shahinian be successful in his quest for space, being Norway’s first astronaut will add to his already varied CV which includes several tours of Afghanistan as a Lieutenant in the Norwegian Army and working as an industrial and graphic designer.
Should he be successful in his training and selection he will rocket off to join the ISS in the second half of 2023, the newspaper VG reports.
Source : © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayTravel
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