Astronaut inspires captivated audience in Dundalk for Science Week

Belfast-born European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Rosemary Coogan was in Louth last Sunday 9 November to take part in a family-friendly event, sharing her story of becoming an astronaut, her day-to-day work at the ESA Astronaut Centre and her participation in future space missions.

The event was part of Science Week 2025 which marked its 30^th anniversary this year. Dr Coogan shared her story of becoming an astronaut, and her work, to a captivated audience.

Dr Coogan was one of 17 candidates chosen from over 22,000 applicants to join the ESA’s Astronaut Class of 2022. Having completed her training, it is anticipated that she will be sent on a space mission by 2030.

This year, the ESA is marking its 50^th anniversary, and the upcoming ESA Ministerial Meeting at the end of November will set out Europe’s future space funding and programmes for the coming years.

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Dr Coogan also took part in Science Week event Baking in Space, an interactive, fun event which explored how astronauts prepare food and protect their health in deep space and brings audiences on an adventure where baking collides with space exploration.  

_{Below: Town Scientist Dr Niamh Shaw and astronaut Rosemary Coogan, with TD Erin McGreehan, Louth County Librarian Mary McHugh, Louth ABC Programme Coordinators Gavin McGee and Sandra Farrell , David Bushman (Town Scientist team) and Naomi O’Donoghue of Dundalk Credit Union with a host of local families who have participated in Town Scientist events. Image: Richie Naylor}

Baking in Space was co-hosted by Town Scientist and space explorer Dr Niamh Shaw, aerospace engineer and Great British Bake Off finalist Andrew Smyth, with special guests ESA Astronaut Dr. Rosemary Coogan, Prof Lorraine Hanlon, Director of UCD’s Centre for Space, ESERO Manager Aine Flood and Dr Lisa McNamee, space medicine specialist.

Organisers of the event say they wish to give special thanks to Dundalk Credit Union and Science Week Ireland for their support.