UK astronaut Rosemary Coogan starts intensive training at NASA

In the United Kingdom, European Space Agency astronaut Rosemary Coogan has initiated a significant training phase at NASA, where she will spend six months. This extensive training aims to prepare her for various aspects of space missions, including spacewalks, operating in a spacesuit, and understanding the components of the International Space Station (ISS). Although she has not yet received a specific mission assignment, Ms. Coogan aspires to travel to the ISS by the year 2030. She is particularly interested in the human and biological sciences, leveraging microgravity as a testing environment to explore crucial medical research topics. Her research interests encompass the effects of microgravity on bone and muscle loss, a pressing issue considering the ageing population on Earth. Ms. Coogan emphasizes that experiments conducted in space hold direct relevance to life on Earth, drawing attention to the potential discoveries that can enhance our understanding of diseases and lead to better medical solutions. The ISS serves as a unique laboratory, enabling scientists to conduct experiments that would not be possible in a terrestrial environment. Additionally, Ms. Coogan's peers, including Sophie Adenot and Raphael Liegeois, are preparing for their own maiden spaceflights scheduled for 2026, underscoring the collaborative efforts within the European Space Agency to advance human space exploration. The intention is for all five astronauts from the class of 2022 to eventually partake in missions to the ISS by 2030. This ongoing training will involve simulations and exercises aimed at acquiring skills required for future space missions. Ms. Coogan's journey into the world of space exploration highlights not only her personal aspirations but also the collective efforts of astronauts, engineers, and scientists dedicated to tackling challenges both in space and on Earth.