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Dr Patten on preparing to become the first Irish person in space
Hailing from Co Mayo, Dr Norah Patten is set to become one of the country's greatest ambassadors on the world stage (and beyond).
An award-winning author, trained aeronautical engineer, education advocate, and former Late Late Toy Show surprise star, Dr Patten will soon add one more incredibly impressive string to her bow: In 2026, she will become the first Irish person in space.
Patten will take on the monumental journey as part of an all-female team of researchers alongside Dr Shawna Pandya from Canada and Kellie Gerardi from America.
In the lead up to the groundbreaking spaceflight, the trio will be busy with deep preparation, including spacesuit testing and evaluation, microgravity research, and high-G flights to experience gravitational force.
Speaking with RTÉ Lifestyle, Norah says that her dream of going to space started at the ripe age of 11 when she first visited the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.
"I'm the youngest of five in my family, but I was the only one to have taken the interest in space after going to visit NASA," she muses. "I can still remember walking around the hangar and seeing the aircraft, going to see the wind tunnel, and I think something just sparked."
This exposure to the space sector at such a young age, followed by a visit to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 15, cemented Dr Patten's fate. As soon as she knew a trip to space was possible, nothing else would do.
Decades of hard work and many degrees later, the Mayo woman says she still can't believe that her dreams are set to become reality.
"The flight was announced in June of last year, which was 12 months ago now, and not one day has gone by where I haven't thought about it and been so thankful to have that opportunity, finally, after all the years."
Despite this, she says she struggles to take on the enormity of the situation. Instead, she focuses on the massive amount of work she needs to do in the meantime, whether that be research, education, or outreach.
In fact, the Norah Patten Foundation put a huge emphasis on continuing the legacy of space exploration, engaging with teachers who can help inspire younger generations.
"It's so special, I don't for a second take it for granted," she says of becoming a role model to children. "I was a grand marshal in Ballina for the parade in March, and there was a space-themed parade and little kids dressed as astronauts - and adults too! It's hard to articulate, but it's something I don't take for granted.
"The Toy Show was so special," she continues. "It's a nomination. The kids write in about who they would like to see or meet. To get that pre-flight cemented, to me, just how many little eyes are watching, and how important it is for me to make the most of this opportunity."
As she moves closer to making history, Aer Lingus has pledged its support through a two-year partnership, ensuring she can travel between her home in Ireland and North America - the hub of her groundbreaking research preparation.
"The micro-gravity research flight that we do in Ottawa at the National Research Council is the fundamental test bed and preparation that we need to set us up for success for the actual space flight," she says, noting that the partnership will be essential over the next year.
"It's hard to explain just how different that environment is," she says, explaining the training manoeuvre. "You get about 20 seconds of weightlessness on the free-fall portion. If there's dust on the floor, it lifts off. Your bum lifts out of the seat. Experiments will float. It's a really, really unique environment."
As well as adjusting to micro-gravity, Dr Patten says the trips to North America are an opportunity for her to spend time with her crewmates, something that will undoubtedly help to strengthen the team dynamics ahead of their journey.
"We're individuals, at the end of the day, so we have our different ways of approaching things," she explains, "but Kelly and Shawna are two of the most incredible people I've ever had an opportunity to work with. They have 100 per cent brought out the best in me and my work over the past year."
