As of May 14, 2025, Rosemary Coogan, a Belfast-born astrophysicist and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, is making waves in the space community. Training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, she’s preparing for a potential lunar mission that could see her become the first Briton to step on the Moon. This 34-year-old Royal Naval Reservist has already captured global attention with her grit, ambition, and lifelong passion for space exploration. Could she make history with NASA’s Artemis program? Let’s dive into her journey and what’s fueling the buzz around her.
Rosemary Coogan’s Rise to the Stars
From a young age, Rosemary Coogan dreamed of the cosmos. Growing up in Brighton after being born in Belfast, she pursued astrophysics, earning a PhD and honing her skills as a scientist. In 2022, she beat out 22,500 applicants to join ESA’s astronaut corps, a testament to her brilliance and determination. By April 2024, she graduated from ESA’s rigorous training program, earning her “astronaut wings” and setting her sights on the International Space Station (ISS) by 2030. Posts on X from May 2025 show her training in NASA’s neutral buoyancy pool, enduring six-hour sessions in a spacesuit underwater to simulate spacewalks. Her dedication is palpable, and fans are rooting for her to soar.
Why the Moon Matters for Rosemary Coogan
The Moon is no longer just a distant dream. NASA’s Artemis program aims to return humans to the lunar surface by 2027, with European astronauts joining later missions. Rosemary, with a 35-year career ahead, is a prime candidate to walk on the Moon, potentially becoming the first Briton to do so. The BBC recently highlighted her visit to a Saturn V rocket, the same model that carried Apollo astronauts to the Moon in 1969. Unlike the Apollo era, when only white American men walked the lunar surface, Artemis prioritizes diversity. However, recent NASA website changes, reported by CBC News in March 2025, removed promises of landing the first woman and person of color, citing U.S. policy shifts. This hasn’t dimmed Rosemary’s prospects, as ESA secures three Artemis seats for European astronauts.
Training and Challenges: What It Takes
Astronaut training is grueling, and Rosemary is in the thick of it. Here’s a snapshot of her regimen:
- Neutral Buoyancy Pool: Simulates spacewalks underwater, requiring immense physical stamina.
- Spacesuit Work: Hours of maneuvering in a bulky suit, testing upper body strength.
- Scientific Prep: Mastering experiments for the ISS and potential lunar missions.
- Team Dynamics: Building trust with crewmates for confined, high-stakes missions.
Rosemary told the BBC in February 2025 that spacewalk training feels “nothing like diving,” emphasizing the unique physical demands. Despite the challenges, her enthusiasm shines through. She’s also vocal about the evolving space sector, noting increased commercial partnerships, as per a BBC report. Her ambition extends beyond the Moon—she’s keen on Mars, volunteering for a Red Planet mission as early as the 2040s, according to the Irish Mirror in July 2024.
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The Bigger Picture: A New Space Era
Rosemary’s journey reflects a broader shift in space exploration. The Artemis program isn’t just about revisiting the Moon; it’s a stepping stone to Mars and sustainable lunar habitats. ESA’s commitment to diversity and international collaboration sets the stage for astronauts like Rosemary to break barriers. While NASA’s recent DEI language scrub raised eyebrows, the agency clarified in March 2025 that crew assignments remain unchanged, per Space.com. Rosemary’s potential to become the first Briton on the Moon symbolizes progress, inspiring young women and scientists worldwide. Her Northern Irish roots also add a layer of pride, with X posts from @rtenews celebrating her as a trailblazer.
What’s Next for Rosemary?
As Rosemary Coogan continues her training, the world watches eagerly. Will she be the first Briton to walk on the Moon? Her path to the ISS by 2030 is a critical milestone, paving the way for lunar ambitions. The Artemis program’s timeline, though delayed to 2027, offers hope for her inclusion in later missions. Her story is far from over, and every step she takes brings her closer to the stars. Whether it’s the Moon or Mars, Rosemary’s passion and resilience make her a name to remember. Stay tuned—she’s just getting started.