Spacewalk training 'nothing like diving', says NI's first astronaut

Dr Rosemary Coogan, a remarkable astrophysicist, has made history as Northern Ireland's first astronaut. She completed her basic training with the European Space Agency last year and received her graduation certificate during a special ceremony in Cologne, Germany. Currently, she is in the United States for pre-assignment training, which includes rigorous spacewalk training. Dr Coogan expressed her excitement about this training, which takes place in a large pool designed to simulate the conditions of space. She wears a spacesuit and practices moving around in a mock-up of the International Space Station. While she enjoys being in the water, she noted that spacewalk training is quite different from diving. In the water, she can swim freely, but in space, there is no water to push against, making the work physically demanding. Dr Coogan is passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists. She will be speaking at the Northern Ireland Science Festival, where she hopes to encourage young people to consider careers in science and space exploration. She believes that the space sector is evolving rapidly, with more commercial partners getting involved. This shift is significant because it allows for greater collaboration and innovation in space missions. Dr Coogan highlighted the importance of having regulations in place to ensure safety and accountability in the growing commercial space industry. She pointed out that the recent advancements in space exploration, including the first commercial spacewalk, represent a major leap forward for the industry. During her interview with BBC Radio Ulster, Dr Coogan emphasized the critical role of science conducted in space. She explained that experiments performed in microgravity environments are unique and cannot be replicated on Earth. The ability to remove the effects of gravity is essential for certain scientific investigations. As the use of space expands, Dr Coogan stressed the need to protect both the space environment and our planet. She mentioned the issue of space debris and the importance of having plans for the end-of-life of satellites. It is crucial to consider how to safely de-orbit satellites or move them to higher orbits to prevent collisions. Dr Coogan is dedicated to her work and is excited to share her journey with students. She finds it fascinating to engage with young people and answer their questions about space. She believes that by sharing her experiences, she can inspire the next generation to explore the wonders of science and space.