Durham graduate named new generation astronaut

Rosemary, who holds two master’s degrees from Durham, was one of 17 successful candidates chosen from more than 22,500 applicants by the European Space Agency (ESA).

Of those candidates Rosemary is one of five career astronauts selected by ESA.

She will take up her duties at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, and will be trained to the highest level of standards as specified by partners of the International Space Station. 

After completing 12-months’ basic training, the new astronauts will be ready to enter the next Space Station training phase and, once assigned to a mission, their training will be tailored to specific mission tasks.  

Master of Physics and Astronomy

Rosemary completed a master’s degree in Physics in 2013, which focused on physics, mathematics, computer programming and astronomy.

In 2015, she received her master’s degree in Astronomy, having conducted research on gamma-ray emission from black holes. 

Rosemary was an outstanding student and we’re so thrilled that she has been selected as one of ESA’s new generation astronauts.

Professor Paula Chadwick, Head of the Department of Physics, Durham University said: “Rosemary was a super student and we’re so thrilled that she has been selected as one of ESA’s new generation of astronauts. What an amazing and inspiring achievement.

“It will be fantastic to see the knowledge and learning she acquired at Durham be put into practice and we will be watching her progress with great interest and pride. Congratulations Rose!”

Find out more

• Learn more about Durham graduate and new generation astronaut Dr Rosemary Coogan.

• Read the full announcement from the European Space Agency about its new generation of astronauts.

• Our Department of Physics is a thriving centre for research and education. We are proud to deliver a teaching and learning experience for students which closely aligns with the research-intensive values and practices of the University. Feeling inspired? Visit our Physics web pages to learn more about our postgraduate and undergraduate programmes.