British astronaut Rosemary Coogan may soon make history as the first Briton to walk on the Moon. Here’s how her spacewalk training is bringing her closer.
Britain’s Next Giant Leap? Astronaut Rosemary Coogan Takes One Step Closer to Space
Inside a massive underwater training facility in Houston, Texas, British astronaut Rosemary Coogan is inching closer to space — and possibly to the Moon. Surrounded by NASA technicians, she’s being sealed into a bulky spacesuit in preparation for one of the most grueling simulations an astronaut can face: a six-hour spacewalk rehearsal.
The test, held in NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, is designed to replicate weightlessness using a 12-meter-deep pool that houses a full-scale mock-up of the International Space Station (ISS). For Coogan, this is more than just a routine drill — it’s a defining moment in her journey toward space.
“It’s physically and psychologically intense,” she says, moments before being submerged.
A Dream That Seemed Out of Reach
Becoming an astronaut was once just a childhood dream for Dr. Rosemary Coogan. Raised far from the astronaut circuit, she pursued a career in astrophysics instead. But when the European Space Agency (ESA) opened astronaut applications, Coogan leapt at the chance — and was selected from over 22,000 applicants.
Now training at the Johnson Space Center, Coogan is set to follow in the footsteps of Helen Sharman and Tim Peake. ESA aims to send her to the ISS by 2030, and with a 35-year career ahead, she could go even farther.
Inside the Simulated Spacewalk
Coogan’s underwater mission requires endurance, upper body strength, and a cool head under pressure. Assisted by divers fine-tuning her buoyancy, she clings to replica modules using hooks — just like she would 322 kilometers above Earth.
“You mentally rehearse every move. Efficiency matters because every mistake drains energy,” she explains.
Her goal is to complete a series of mock repairs on the submerged ISS, all while under constant monitoring from a control room. But the test takes a twist: she must conduct an emergency “rescue” of her unresponsive astronaut partner — a surprise scenario to assess her readiness.
Training for Life in Orbit
From space repairs to learning how to use the ISS toilet system, no detail is left out. Coogan even guides observers through the process of managing hygiene and fluid recycling aboard the station.
“Urine gets purified into drinking water,” she explains. “You have to keep it separate and filtered, especially for female astronauts.”
She also explores a full-scale ISS mock-up above ground — a cramped space that becomes home for months at a time. “It’s isolating, but the view of Earth makes it worthwhile,” she says.
Will She Walk on the Moon?
The future of lunar exploration is looking bright. With NASA’s Artemis program planning to return humans to the Moon, European astronauts — including Coogan — are expected to participate in later missions.
“To stand on the Moon would be extraordinary,” Coogan says. “Being part of humanity’s return is thrilling.”
After six demanding hours underwater and a successful mock rescue, NASA’s instructors were impressed. “Rosemary has the endurance of a champion,” said one. “She crushed it.”
Closer Than Ever to Space
As her helmet is removed and she emerges from the pool, Coogan is exhausted but smiling.“It was a challenge, but so rewarding,” she says.
Whether on the ISS or the Moon, Rosemary Coogan’s steady rise through the ranks of space training is a powerful reminder: the stars may not be as far away as they seem.
