A Durham University graduate has been named a new generation astronaut by the European Space Agency.
Doctor Rosemary Coogan was one of 17 candidates chosen from more than 22,500 applicants by the agency.
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.
READ MORE: Campaigners call for government to invest in childcare and overhaul system to help economy
She said: "Space has always fascinated me. My current job is to look at how galaxies grow and evolve over time.
"I particularly applied for the space programme because I really wanted to get hands on with contributing and learning the most we can from space.
"I think it is really important to understand where we come from, the conditions of life, and how the human body reacts when those conditions change.
"So I'm really excited to do that by going to space and hopefully inspiring other people to do the same, and contributing toward ESA's goals in that way."
Rosemary completed a master's degree in Physics in 2013, which focused on physics, mathematics, computer programming and astronomy.
In 2015, she received a master's degree in Astronomy, having conducted research on gamma-ray emission from black holes.
Rosemary said it was a "real privilege" and "incredibly exciting" to find out she had been selected for the programme.
She added: "I think there were so many great candidates in this selection and so many people applied.
"I feel extremely lucky to be in this position. I really want to make the most of this opportunity to learn as much as I can and give as much as I can. It is very, very exciting."
READ MORE:
- Bishop Auckland Food Festival open to traders for 2023 - here's how to apply
- Popular Durham pub named among four 'best in country' as new CAMRA list emerges
- Former Durham prisoner turned writer brings his remarkable story to the stage with new play
- Beamish Museum job vacancies which allow you to step back in time and bring history to life
- Durham Cathedral rated in top five favourite historic sites in the UK and ranked best free attraction
