Norah Patten Prepares for Historic Space Journey as First Irish Astronaut

A significant milestone in Irish space exploration is on the horizon as Dr. Norah Patten aims to become the first Irish person to travel into space. On a chilly evening at University College Dublin’s (UCD) George Moore Auditorium, an eager audience gathered to hear from Dr. Patten and her fellow astronaut, Dr. Shawna Pandya from Canada. The two scientists plan to embark on a suborbital flight on Virgin Galactic’s commercial spacecraft, Delta, in 2025, conducting research for the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS).

The event drew a crowd, primarily consisting of excited children, who were visibly thrilled to learn about the upcoming mission. Although the audience’s impatience was palpable, with one young boy repeatedly asking, “When is it going to start?” the excitement remained high. As Dr. Patten and Dr. Pandya made their way to the stage, adorned in black boiler suits featuring the Canadian and Irish flags, they received a warm standing ovation.

Dr. Patten, who hails from Co Mayo, is an aeronautical engineer currently employed by Réalta Space Systems Engineering in Dublin. Her expertise in microgravity environments will be crucial for the upcoming mission. During the discussion, she engaged the audience by asking if anyone knew another name for microgravity flights, prompting laughter when she revealed it’s often called the “vomit comet.”

The astronauts’ mission will focus on building upon data gathered from a previous collaboration between Virgin Galactic and IIAS. Their research aims to explore novel healthcare technologies and the behavior of fluids in low gravity, contributing to the understanding of space environments.

When the children were invited to ask questions, their enthusiasm was evident. One child inquired about the scariest aspects of space travel. Dr. Pandya clarified that they have yet to experience space but reassured the audience that “there’s nothing scary when you are prepared,” emphasizing the importance of training.

Another poignant moment came from an audience member who expressed concerns about the limited availability of STEM subjects for young women in the Irish education system. Dr. Patten, who has a three-year-old daughter, acknowledged this challenge, stating, “I hope the visibility of what we are doing will help.” She emphasized the importance of changing narratives around women in science and technology, asserting, “The sky is not the limit.”

As the event concluded, attendees lined up to meet the astronauts. Children eagerly rushed forward to take selfies and obtain autographs from the women who are set to make history as part of what could be the first all-female research team to travel to space.

Dr. Patten’s journey encapsulates not just personal ambition but also a broader effort to inspire future generations in Ireland. As she prepares for this historic mission, the hope is that her achievements will pave the way for more young women to pursue careers in science and engineering.