By Mantasha - May 14, 2025
Dr. Rosemary Coogan, the first British astronaut to walk on the Moon, completed rigorous training with the European Space Agency and NASA before joining the Artemis program for lunar exploration. Her mission included geological studies and collecting soil samples to enhance understanding of lunar geology. Coogan's historic achievement highlights UK's milestone in space exploration and signifies the importance of international collaboration in space missions. She is also set to undertake a mission on the International Space Station and potentially participate in future Artemis program missions to the Moon and Mars, showcasing diversity in space exploration.
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Rosemary Coogan via BCC Sky at Night Magzine
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Dr. Rosemary Coogan has made history as the first British astronaut to walk on the Moon. A member of the European Space Agency's (ESA) 2022 astronaut class, Coogan completed her training in April 2024 and is now part of the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface.
Coogan's journey to the Moon began with rigorous training at ESA's European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. Her preparation included scientific studies, survival training, and psychological resilience exercises. She also underwent six months of specialized training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, focusing on spacewalks and lunar surface operations.
During her mission, Coogan conducted geological studies on the Moon's surface, utilizing tools like the Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC) to capture high-resolution images of lunar rocks. She also collected soil samples to analyze the Moon's composition and history.
Coogan's historic walk on the Moon not only marks a significant achievement for the UK but also contributes to humanity's understanding of lunar geology. Her participation in the Artemis program underscores the growing role of international collaboration in space exploration.
Looking ahead, Coogan is slated to participate in a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between now and 2030. She is also prepared for potential future missions under NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars. Coogan's selection and achievements underscore the growing diversity in space exploration, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science and space.
