Irish Astronaut Norah Patten Aims for Space with Historic Mission

A crowd of eager children gathered at the UCD George Moore Auditorium on a chilly Friday evening, eagerly awaiting a “fireside chat” with Dr. Norah Patten. She is poised to become the first Irish person to travel into space. Alongside her is Dr. Shawna Pandya, a Canadian astronaut, as they prepare for a historic mission aboard Virgin Galactic’s commercial spacecraft, Delta, scheduled for next year.

The excitement was palpable as children expressed their impatience, waiting for the event to commence. The duo aims to conduct research for the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS) during their flight, focusing on healthcare technologies and fluid behavior in microgravity. This mission will mark the first all-woman research team to travel into space.

Dr. Patten, an aeronautical engineer from Co. Mayo, shared her experiences in microgravity with the audience. Wearing a black boiler suit decorated with various logos, she engaged the children by asking if they knew another term for microgravity flights. When a few hands shot up with answers, she humorously responded, “No, we actually call it the vomit comet,” eliciting laughter from the audience.

The challenges of microgravity were a central theme of her discussion. Dr. Patten recounted how her initial enthusiasm led to clumsy movements in the cabin, resulting in minor mishaps. “Even a gentle push can send you flying,” she explained, emphasizing the need for controlled movements in a weightless environment.

As the session progressed, children were invited to ask questions. One child inquired about what the astronauts find most exciting and frightening about space. Dr. Pandya clarified that they have yet to embark on their journey, which will take them near the 100 km altitude of the Kármán Line, the recognized boundary of space. She reassured the audience that adequate preparation mitigates fear, stating, “There’s nothing scary when you are prepared, and that’s the best thing about training.”

Another question came from a woman concerned about the lack of STEM opportunities for young girls in Ireland. Dr. Patten shared her perspective as a mother of a three-year-old daughter, hoping her visibility as an aspiring astronaut would inspire others. “I hope the visibility of what we are doing will help,” she said. “Every single one of us must contribute to a different narrative, whether at home or through the toys we choose. The sky is not the limit.”

As the event concluded, attendees were invited to meet the astronauts, capturing the moment with selfies and autographs. The enthusiasm of the children was evident as they rushed forward to meet Dr. Patten, who is set to break new ground for Irish representation in space exploration.

This upcoming mission not only highlights Dr. Patten’s achievements but also serves as an inspiring example for future generations interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As she prepares for her journey in 2024, the excitement surrounding her groundbreaking role continues to grow, paving the way for more inclusive representation in space travel.