Northern Ireland’s first astronaut, Dr. Rosemary Coogan, has spoken about the rapid changes in the space industry, as commercial partners play an increasing role in space exploration.
Dr. Coogan, an astrophysicist and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, is currently in the United States undergoing pre-assignment training, which includes rigorous spacewalk preparation. She recently spoke to BBC News NI ahead of her upcoming appearance at the Northern Ireland Science Festival, where she hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Training for Spacewalks
Speaking from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, Dr. Coogan described her ongoing training, particularly the challenging spacewalk simulations conducted underwater in a giant pool.
“I absolutely love the water, but it feels nothing like diving,” she explained.
The training environment, which includes a full spacesuit and a replica of the International Space Station (ISS), helps astronauts prepare for the weightless conditions of space.
“You can’t swim in a spacesuit, and in space, there’s nothing to push against. It’s physically demanding, and ironic that a ‘spacewalk’ actually requires so much upper body strength.”
Dr. Coogan’s six-month pre-assignment training follows her basic astronaut training, which she completed last year at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany.
A Changing Space Industry
Dr. Coogan also highlighted the growing influence of commercial partners in space exploration, citing recent private space missions as evidence of the industry’s transformation.
“There is a need for strong regulation in both government and commercial sectors, but commercial involvement has enabled new possibilities,” she said.
The landmark landing of a commercial spacecraft on the Moon last year and SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission, which featured the first commercial spacewalk, are signs of a new era in space travel. NASA described these developments as “a giant leap forward” for private sector involvement in space exploration.
“We now travel to the ISS using commercial vehicles, and without this partnership, it’s hard to say where we would be today,” Dr. Coogan added.
Science in Space for the Benefit of Earth
Beyond exploration, Dr. Coogan emphasized that space research has direct benefits for life on Earth.
“Scientific experiments in space cannot be replicated anywhere else. Removing gravity entirely is an essential factor in research,” she explained.
While some microgravity experiments can be conducted on Earth, they only last for short periods, limiting their effectiveness.
Dr. Coogan also discussed the growing issue of space debris, urging that new satellites be designed with end-of-life plans to prevent orbital clutter.
“There’s now a push to ensure satellites have de-orbiting plans or can be moved to safer orbits after their missions end,” she said.
Inspiring Future Generations
Dr. Coogan will share more about her experiences at the Northern Ireland Science Festival, where she will speak to the NI Space Office about her journey.
“Engaging with young people is incredibly rewarding,” she said. “Schoolchildren have sent in questions, and it’s fascinating to see what interests them. Sometimes, they come up with questions I’ve never imagined before!”
As Dr. Coogan continues her training, she remains committed to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and encouraging young people to pursue careers in science and technology.
