Dr. Norah Patten, an aeronautical engineer and researcher originally from County Mayo, Ireland, is set to become the first Irish astronaut. Patten, who currently works for Realtra Space Systems Engineering in Coolock, Dublin, will participate in an international spaceflight mission in 2026. The mission, organized by the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences, will take place on Virgin Galactic's new commercial spacecraft, the Delta class, as part of the IIAS-02 mission. Patten will be joined by two incredible teammates, marking a significant milestone for Ireland in space exploration.
It's true! I am @IIAS_NLC Astronaut 002 on IIAS-02, to fly aboard the @virgingalactic Delta class of spacecraft as it becomes operational in the coming years. Best part, I get to do it with two incredible teammates @kelliegerardi & @SpaceNorah. WE ARE READY. 👩🏽🚀🚀🏥🇨🇦🇮🇳 https://t.co/12nHMyc728
The only thing better than going to space...is going to space with the BEST teammates. @IIAS_NLC we've done something special here. ❤️🚀🌠 https://t.co/PISNShdaaU
Aeronautical engineer and researcher from Mayo to go to space https://t.co/thRy7Q36fw
Dr. Norah Patten is set to become the first Irish astronaut and will be part of a research mission by the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences on Virgin Galatic's new commercial spacecraft which is due to begin operating in 2026 | Read more: https://t.co/0bsN0McLHC https://t.co/y0ve98MUQZ
Dr Norah Patten is set to become the first person from Ireland to go to space as part of an international spaceflight mission. https://t.co/vGnBiAJ7f5
Dr Norah Patten to become first Irish person in space https://t.co/vGnBiAJ7f5
Dr Norah Patten, who is originally from Co Mayo, but now lives in Dublin and works for Realtra Space Systems Engineering in Coolock, is due to take part in the space mission in 2026 https://t.co/Rl6RAzAn1N
A woman who works for a space research company in Dublin is set to become Ireland's first astronaut https://t.co/Rl6RAzAn1N