Rabea Rogge Set to Become First German Woman to Fly into Space

In a historic milestone for German space exploration, Rabea Rogge is poised to become the first German woman to journey into space. The Berlin native is preparing for a nearly four-day mission aboard SpaceX's 'Dragon' capsule, which is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on an upcoming Tuesday. As the countdown to her launch begins, Rogge expresses a blend of calm and excitement, reflecting on the rigorous training that has prepared her for this moment.

Rogge acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, particularly the need to collaborate closely with three fellow crew members in the confined space of the capsule. "The anticipation is certainly building," she noted in a recent interview, highlighting that the combination of training and confidence in her skills has contributed to her sense of readiness.

Among the personal items she plans to bring on the mission is a historic medal from the Deutsches Technikmuseum in Berlin, honoring aviation pioneer Otto Lilienthal. The inscription, 'Non Omnis Moriar'--translated as 'Not all of me will perish'--symbolizes her commitment to carrying forward the vision of early pioneers into a new era of space exploration. Additionally, she will take a replica of the Liberty Bell, a gesture to honor her hometown of Berlin as well as tokens for her family, friends, and colleagues who have supported her on this journey.

Rogge anticipates that the most significant challenge during the flight will be accomplishing the mission's scientific objectives. The crew is set to conduct over 20 experiments, participate in an amateur radio competition, and respond to questions from schoolchildren. Coordinating effectively as a team in the tight quarters of the spacecraft will be crucial, especially when faced with unexpected situations. Rogge and her pilot partner, Jannicke Mikkelsen, have trained extensively to ensure they can respond appropriately in emergencies.

Initially, Rogge had a higher level of apprehension about the risks associated with the mission, but extensive training has shifted her perspective from anxiety to eager anticipation. She now feels well-prepared, having practiced various potential scenarios that could arise during the flight.

The training has also fostered a strong team dynamic, allowing crew members to communicate effectively and understand each other's signals intuitively. Rogge is particularly impressed by the rapid pace of technological innovation in the U.S. space industry, noting that Europe could benefit from these advancements. This mission marks a significant step as it involves the first civilian crew without a licensed pilot among them.

In terms of operations, the 'Dragon' spacecraft is designed to fly autonomously, reducing the necessity for a pilot during standard operations. Rogge points out that while astronauts have the option to intervene in emergencies, the spacecraft manages all critical functions from launch to landing independently.

During the mission, the crew will be allocated eight hours for sleep, although Rogge notes that sleeping in space presents its own challenges. The crew is scheduled to participate in a study examining sleep patterns in microgravity conditions, as many astronauts find it difficult to adapt to sleeping while floating.

Rogge is committed to ensuring that the findings from their experiments are effectively communicated to the public. One initiative includes involving students in an amateur radio competition, aimed at inspiring young minds, just as she was inspired in her youth.

Looking ahead, Rogge envisions a future where space travel becomes as commonplace as air travel. She believes that advancements in automation and user-friendly interfaces will simplify the operation of spacecraft, making it feasible for individuals without extensive training to venture into space.

Reflecting on the broader implications of space exploration, Rogge emphasizes that the pursuit of knowledge should transcend political affiliations. She believes that space missions hold immense potential for scientific advancement and can contribute to a better understanding of our planet's future.