UK introduces its newest astronaut: Rosemary Coogan on her training journey and humanity's lunar comeback
In an exciting development for the European Space Agency (ESA), Rosemary Coogan has been selected as one of five new full-time astronauts. Coogan, a doctorate holder in astrophysics, specialising in galaxy evolution, was chosen from over 22,500 applicants.
Hailing from the UK, Coogan is the third career astronaut the country has produced. Her journey to space began with the unwavering support and encouragement from her parents, who nurtured her interest in space from an early age.
Coogan's extensive astronaut training took place at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, where she spent 12 months honing her skills. During this time, she learned to operate tools, perform emergency CPR, and brace herself safely during zero-g training.
Coogan's diverse background in space-related fields is impressive. She has worked with the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope in Hawaii, developed robotics software in the UK, and collaborated with the James Webb Space Telescope and Euclid Space Telescope at France's CNES space agency in Paris.
As part of her training, Coogan has also learned Russian and undergone hyper-gravity centrifuge runs, reaching up to 6 g, simulating a non-optimal ballistic re-entry. She has experienced 30 microgravity flight parabolas, totaling approximately 10 minutes of weightlessness.
Coogan has formed strong bonds with her training team and has been trained in robotic arm techniques for docking ISS cargo ships. She has also studied engineering, orbital mechanics, medical training, Earth studies, and other practical space-related subjects during her training.
Despite the specific European space mission she may fly in the future not yet being determined, possibilities include missions to the International Space Station (ISS) or participation in lunar programs connected to NASA's Artemis. The ESA Director General has expressed intentions to fly each of the five new astronauts on an ESA long-duration ISS mission before the end of the decade.
Rosemary Coogan's interview was published in the July 2024 issue of a renowned website. She joined the Hoppers Class of 2022, which graduated in April 2024 and joined the existing six members of the European Astronaut Corps selected in 2009.
Coogan believes this was her only opportunity to be selected as an ESA astronaut due to the time gap between selections at ESA. However, she remains optimistic about her future in space exploration and is ready to face the challenges that come her way.
