She studied under her mentor and friend, Knut Lundmark and in 1930 was able to get a large grant to travel and visit observatories abroad in Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Potsdam, Danzig (now Gdansk) and Berlin.

[3] Her academic career was stopped short because of World War II and she started work at the Swedish National Defence Radio Establishment as a cryptographer systems analyst.

Palmer never got any real recognition from cryptography colleagues Gunnar Blom and Sven Wäsström, who considered her an insignificant "star analyst".

[8] The Supreme Chief, Commander Torgil Thorén, however, stated in 1943 that she always "attended to prompt perception, energy and a clear sense of order" and that "she always included the work with interest and diligence and observed impeccable and honest conduct".

[5][6][3] When Elsa died Frida opened her social circle and started an Association for Working Women in Stockholm.