Dr. Rosemary Coogan has officially graduated from the European Space Agency’s astronaut training program, joining an elite group of UK astronauts and preparing for potential missions to the ISS and beyond.
Dr. Rosemary Coogan from Northern Ireland has graduated from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) astronaut training program, joining the ranks of the UK’s astronauts alongside notable figures such as Helen Sharman and Tim Peake. Coogan, along with five other astronauts collectively known as “The Hoppers,” completed their intensive basic training, which qualifies them for potential missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and future lunar missions under NASA’s Artemis program.
The graduation ceremony, which confirmed their readiness for space missions, included astronauts from various nationalities, highlighting the international nature of current space exploration efforts. Australian astronaut candidate Katherine Bennell-Pegg was among the graduates. The training covered essential skills such as medical procedures, robotics, survival techniques, experiencing weightlessness, and simulations of rocket launch forces.
Coogan, who has a strong academic background with two master’s degrees from Durham University and a doctorate in astronomy from Sussex, was selected for the ESA program from over 22,500 applicants. Her training also emphasized mastering spacecraft systems, spacewalking capabilities, and language skills necessary for international cooperation aboard the ISS.
The UK Space Agency has acknowledged Coogan’s achievements and the potential inspirational impact on young individuals in Northern Ireland, aiming to boost interest in careers within the space sector. With the successful completion of their training, Coogan and her colleagues are now eligible for future space expeditions, where they will continue to engage in scientific experiments and further preparations for advanced missions.
