In a series of expeditions, Namira Salim, the first Pakistani astronaut has just concluded a visit to Kiruna, Sweden, with Virgin Galactic. As part of her visit to space, Namira's visit was to watch a 2 stage sub-orbital rocket launch at SSC where Pakistan's Flag was hoisted in her honour as a member of the Virgin Galactic Astronaut Club.
Namira also had the historic opportunity of presenting the National flag to Olle Norberg, Head of the Esrange Space Center at the Swedish Space Corporation, which will be flown to sub-orbital space in June. "I was very touched to see the National flag flying high at the SSC," she told APP in a telephonic talk on conclusion of her visit.
"I felt greatly honoured at this gesture and at the warmth of all at the Esrange Space Center and the Swedish Space Corporation." Said Namira.
Kiruna, famed for the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) is situated 200 Km North of the Arctic Cirlce and is home to the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC). Upon arrival in Kiruna she and her team members were warmly welcomed by officials of the SSC from where some of the future Virgin Galactic SpaceShips will launch. During this extraordinary trip Namira stayed at the world renowned Ice Hotel, a Swedish hotel created with ice every year.
It was again daring after her North and South Pole visits, as she tolerated -5 degrees temperature in her Ice Art Suite. Namira's extraordinary tour took off from London on a charter flight carrying Virgin Galactic Astronauts. Her activities in and around snow covered Kiruna included a helicopter ride to Kebnekaise (the highest peak of Sweden), a visit to LKAB (the world's largest underground mine), dog sledge and snow mobile transportation to wilderness sites on ice and frozen lakes.