Dr Norah Patten has made history.
She is the first Irish person to go to space. No small feat.
We sat down with the astronaut to discuss making her dream a reality for our September issue.
She admits that becoming the first Irish person in space is “absolutely amazing”.
“Particularly because it’s a national first. It has taken so many years to finally reach this point. It was really the reaction from everyone else that made it hit home, of just how much of a big deal it is that I’m the first Irish person go to space,” she enthused.
“I just feel so much gratitude and also a huge sense of responsibility. Our research institute, IIAS (International Institute for Astronautical Science), has been working really hard over the last ten years to make these opportunities happen. I’m absolutely blown away, it’s just hard to put into words how I’m feeling after securing one of those seats.”
It’s definitely a childhood dream come through for Dr Norah.
“Space was always my love. I was fascinated by the whole notion of leaving earth. Sending humans off our planet, living and working in space in a completely different environment,” she tells us with the biggest smile.
“It’s so intriguing. And to be able to see earth from space and have that viewpoint… wow.”
Pick up the September issue of VIP Magazine to read our full interview with Dr Norah Patten.