The European Space Agency (ESA) recently celebrated the graduation of its latest batch of astronauts in Cologne, Germany. Among them is Dr. Rosemary Coogan, a Northern Irish astrophysicist, who expressed her excitement at fulfilling her lifelong dream of space exploration. Dr. Coogan joins four other astronauts from France, Spain, Belgium, and Switzerland in completing their basic training.
The training regimen over the past year has been rigorous, covering medical, robotics, survival training, and experiencing weightlessness in special aircraft. The graduates are now prepared for specific flight assignments, possibly to the International Space Station (ISS) or even to the Moon.
Interestingly, Australian astronaut candidate Katherine Bennell-Pegg, who holds dual UK citizenship, also received her graduation certificate during the ceremony. This reflects a collaboration between the European and Australian space agencies.
The new astronaut class has been affectionately dubbed "The Hoppers," a name bestowed upon them by the previous class, "The Shenanigans." This nickname symbolizes their readiness to hop between different training modules and perhaps hop onto the Moon in the future.
While the exact timing of their space missions remains uncertain, the graduates are now eligible for selection. ESA's involvement in NASA's Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the Moon, opens up the possibility for these astronauts to make history by becoming the first Europeans to set foot on the lunar surface or orbit.
Overall, the graduation marks a significant milestone for these aspiring astronauts, who will continue their training and await their chance to venture into space.
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