An astronaut in training has spoken about what it takes to travel into space as she gets closer to lift-off.
Dr Rosemary Coogan, 32, described the intensive training she has gone through, including underwater exercises in a space suit.
Dr Coogan, who completed her doctorate in astrophysics at the University of Sussex, also told how her hobbies helped prepare her for space training and what she will miss when she eventually heads for the International Space Station.
She said: “I have always been fascinated by space but I wanted to contribute more to the European Space Agency’s efforts in terms of exploring our local solar system.
“Underwater training is the closest we can get on Earth to learning what it’s like to manoeuvre in a weightless environment. It requires us to have a scuba diving licence which I already happen to have having been a member of the Scuba Diving Society at Sussex.
“I’ll be able to take a small box of personal treasures with me. I really enjoy fantasy adventure board games and I would love to work out whether it’s possible to roll a die in space, though I’m sure the excitement and privilege of being on a mission will far outweigh missing any creature comforts.”
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Speaking to the university’s Falmer magazine, Dr Coogan, from Northern Ireland, spoke about how she grew up on the university campus while her parents studied at the institution.
As part of her work as a career astronaut, she could be sent to the International Space Station but could also be sent to the moon as part of missions.
She said she would miss some of the creature comforts including being able to make toast or have a shower, which is impossible in space.
She now faces a year-long training scheme including classroom work learning about space law and systems aboard the ISS.
On completing her training, Dr Coogan will become the first British female astronaut to work for the European Space Agency.
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