Dr. Rosemary Coogan, a 34-year-old astrophysicist from Belfast, Northern Ireland, has emerged as the United Kingdom’s newest astronaut, following her graduation from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) rigorous training program in April 2024. Selected from over 22,000 applicants, Coogan is poised to become the first British astronaut to walk on the Moon, with missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and beyond on the horizon.

A Dream Realized

Coogan’s journey to space began with a childhood fascination with the stars. Initially pursuing a career in astrophysics, she later joined the Royal Naval Reserve, serving as a Midshipman. Her academic credentials include a PhD in astrophysics and postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute for Extra-terrestrial Physics in Munich. She also contributed to ESA/CNES missions such as EUCLID and analyzed data from the James Webb Space Telescope.

Rigorous Training

Coogan’s training encompassed a comprehensive range of disciplines to prepare her for the multifaceted challenges of spaceflight. At NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, she underwent spacewalk simulations in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, a 12-meter-deep pool housing a full-scale replica of the ISS. This facility enables astronauts to practice extravehicular activities (EVAs) in conditions that closely mimic microgravity.

Her preparation also included winter survival training in the Spanish Pyrenees, centrifuge rides to simulate high g-forces during rocket launches, and zero-gravity flights to experience the unique challenges and sensations of weightlessness.

Future Missions

Coogan is slated to embark on a six-month mission aboard the ISS, with a potential launch date by 2026. Looking further ahead, she has expressed enthusiasm for participating in lunar missions under NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence. Coogan’s involvement in these missions would mark a significant milestone, as she could become the first British astronaut to walk on the Moon.

A New Era of Space Exploration

Coogan’s selection and subsequent training reflect the evolving landscape of space exploration, characterized by increased international collaboration and the inclusion of astronauts from diverse backgrounds. Her achievements not only honor the legacy of previous British astronauts like Helen Sharman and Tim Peake but also inspire future generations to pursue careers in space science and exploration.

As humanity sets its sights on the Moon and Mars, Dr. Rosemary Coogan stands at the forefront of a new era, ready to contribute to the next chapter of space exploration.