Saturday, March 29, 2025
Dr Rosemary Coogan may soon make history as the first Briton on Moon missions. The British astronaut recently took part in one of NASA’s most demanding training exercises. She completed a six-hour underwater spacewalk simulation at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in Houston.
As a child, Rosemary dreamed of becoming an astronaut. However, she had no direct contact with people who had been to space. That didn’t stop her. Instead, she pursued astrophysics and later earned a place in the European Space Agency’s 2022 astronaut class.
Out of more than 22,000 applicants, she was one of only five selected. The ESA aims to send astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) by 2030. Rosemary is now in prime position for future missions.
Training for space is no small feat. Rosemary recently entered NASA’s 12-meter-deep pool for a high-pressure simulation. There, a full-size replica of the ISS is submerged. Wearing her Union Jack-marked suit and helmet, she practiced essential spacewalk techniques.
Before diving in, she admitted the challenge was both physical and mental. “It’s intense,” she said. However, she handled it with focus and composure.
During the simulation, instructors threw unexpected scenarios at her. For example, a “fellow astronaut” went unconscious. Rosemary responded quickly and correctly. This kind of response is vital in real missions.
Afterwards, instructors praised her precision and calm. One said, “She crushed it.” Clearly, she impressed the NASA team.
Space training goes far beyond walking in zero gravity. Astronauts must also learn how to manage hygiene and waste systems. For instance, they are trained to use space toilets and even purify urine into drinking water.
Moreover, they live in small, shared spaces. That means preparing for every detail — including personal hygiene — is essential.
NASA’s Artemis program plans to return humans to the Moon. ESA astronauts may be part of these upcoming missions. If selected, Rosemary could become the first Briton on Moon expeditions.
After completing her underwater walk, she reflected on the experience. Standing near the legendary Saturn V rocket, she said, “To do this for real and see Earth from above — that would be the cherry on top.”
