Could Rosemary Coogan Be the First Briton to Walk on the Moon?

Rosemary Coogan Faces One of the Greatest Challenges of Her Career: Intensive Training for a Simulated Spacewalk at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory

Rosemary Coogan is currently experiencing one of the most demanding and pivotal phases in her journey as an astronaut, the complex and meticulous process of putting on a heavy, bulky spacesuit to prepare for a simulated spacewalk.

This crucial training takes place at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, located at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

This underwater facility is one of the most sophisticated and extensive in the world, specifically designed to simulate the microgravity conditions astronauts encounter in space. 💦👩‍🚀

The Spacesuit Donning Ritual: Extreme Precision and Care

The entire process of putting on the full spacesuit lasts about 45 minutes.

During this time, a specialized team of technicians carefully assists Rosemary by adjusting, tightening, and securing every piece of equipment to ensure a perfect fit and flawless operation.

Every seal, joint, and connection must be meticulously checked because even the slightest issue could jeopardize the astronaut’s safety during a real mission.

Once the suit is fully assembled, her helmet is gently lowered over her head, completing preparations for a long underwater session that can last over six hours.

This prolonged immersion is designed to replicate the weightlessness conditions experienced during a spacewalk, also known as an EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity). 🕒🧑‍🚀

The Impressive Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory: A Realistic Setting for Space Training

The pool used for training is 12 meters deep and contains a full-scale replica of the International Space Station (ISS).

This life-sized model allows astronauts to practice precise and deliberate movements as they maneuver around the station’s exterior.

The underwater environment forces them to move slowly and cautiously, gripping handrails and structural bars positioned exactly as in the actual space structure.

This exhausting practice is essential for developing muscle memory and spatial orientation, skills critical for astronaut safety and efficiency during real spacewalks hundreds of kilometers above Earth. 🌊🛰️

Before entering the water, Rosemary takes a moment to mentally prepare and share her thoughts:

“Today is an important day. This experience is incredibly demanding, both physically and psychologically.” 💪🧠

This intense preparation represents only one phase of the extraordinary journey that transformed Rosemary from a child with a distant dream into a fully prepared astronaut ready to explore the cosmos.

From Childhood Dream to Reality: Rosemary Coogan’s Inspiring Path

Rosemary’s fascination with space and exploration began early in her childhood, she recalls that at the time, the dream of becoming an astronaut seemed distant and almost unattainable.

“At career fairs at school, astronauts were rarely present it was very uncommon to meet someone who had actually been to space or hear their stories,” she remembers.

Determined to stay connected to the stars, she chose a career in astrophysics, diving deep into the scientific mysteries of the universe. 🌌🔭

Her dedication and hard work paid off in 2024, when Rosemary was selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) from over 22,000 highly qualified applicants.

Being chosen as an ESA astronaut marked a significant milestone and the official beginning of her path toward space exploration. 🎯🌍

Rigorous Training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center

Since joining NASA’s training center, Rosemary has undergone months of exhaustive preparation to face the challenges of spaceflight.

Besides the underwater training at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, she has also become familiar with the interior of the ISS replica, a compact and highly realistic environment where astronauts live and work for extended periods.

Although the confined spaces can be challenging, the breathtaking views of Earth from orbit greatly offset the isolation. 🛰️👀

Rosemary remarks:

“The station is a small, isolated space, but that isolation helps create a connection to the outside environment — it helps ease feelings of claustrophobia.”

Her training also includes mastering daily life activities in space, such as using the onboard toilet.

The sophisticated suction system separates liquid and solid waste — a crucial adaptation for efficient resource management under microgravity conditions. 🚽✨

Simulated Spacewalks and Emergency Procedures

During underwater training, Rosemary’s buoyancy is continuously adjusted by diving specialists to accurately simulate the feeling of microgravity.

Navigating while wearing a bulky spacesuit underwater requires significant upper body strength and intense focus.

Every movement is carefully rehearsed to conserve energy and avoid mistakes that could be dangerous or costly during real spacewalks. 🤿⚙️

In one simulation, her mission partner pretends to lose consciousness mid-mission.

Rosemary’s task is to locate her, assess her condition, and safely tow her back to the airlock.

Despite extreme fatigue after hours underwater, Rosemary maintains calm and successfully completes the rescue, demonstrating her mental toughness and physical endurance. 🆘💪

The Artemis Program and the Dream of Walking on the Moon

During a visit to the training center, Rosemary had the chance to see the iconic Saturn V rocket, the powerful spacecraft that took Apollo astronauts to the Moon in 1969.

More than five decades later, NASA’s Artemis program is preparing to return humans to the lunar surface, with European astronauts like Rosemary among the potential crew members of these historic missions. 🌕

With a career projected to span 35 years, Rosemary may become the first Briton to walk on the Moon.

Reflecting on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, she shares:

“It’s incredible that humanity is returning to the Moon. I would be absolutely thrilled to be part of it. It’s truly exhilarating.” 🌟🚀

A Bright Future Ahead for Rosemary Coogan

After hours of grueling underwater training, Rosemary emerges tired but smiling, her passion and determination remain unwavering.

She embraces the challenges ahead and eagerly awaits the day when she can look out at the stars and see Earth from space. 🌍✨

“If I could do this on the real station — to look out and see both the stars and the Earth at the same time — that would be the ultimate experience.”

The journey to space requires not only physical preparation but also immense mental and emotional resilience.

Rosemary Coogan’s perseverance and hard work are bringing her closer than ever to realizing her dream, inspiring countless people to look up and reach for the stars. 🌠👩‍🚀