Aer Lingus partners with Mayo astronaut ahead of historic space mission
AER Lingus has announce its partnership with Dr. Norah Patten as she prepares for her groundbreaking mission to become the first Irish person in space.
With a shared commitment to building new connections and inspiring exploration, Aer Lingus will partner with the Mayo native as she prepares for her first ever research spaceflight.
A trained aeronautical engineer and passionate champion of STEM education, Norah has devoted herself to inspiring future generations of scientists, engineers and trailblazers. 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.
In advance of her spaceflight, Norah is undergoing intensive training and conducting advanced research at the National Research Council (NRC) in Canada, working alongside distinguished International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS) researchers, Dr. Shawna Pandya and Kellie Gerardi.
Norah’s dream of going to space started when she first visited the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland at the age of 11. Now destined to become the first Irish person in space, she continues to travel between Dublin and North America as she prepares for her spaceflight.
Her preparation has included spacesuit testing and evaluation, microgravity research, as well as undertaking high-G flights designed to experience gravitational force.
Aer Lingus will fly Norah as she crosses the Atlantic while undertaking this vital space research.
For space enthusiasts, North America is a must-visit destination, offering unparalleled opportunities for discovery. From the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where you can witness rocket launches, to the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, where aerospace innovation thrives. There’s also the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., packed with historic spacecraft and astronaut memorabilia.
Said Dr. Patten: “My mission to become the first Irish person in space is a huge undertaking and I’m grateful to Aer Lingus for their support on my journey. As the flag carrier of Ireland, Aer Lingus has long inspired people to travel and to explore new destinations. This partnership with Aer Lingus will enable me to travel seamlessly to North America to continue my practical preparation and research, with each step bringing me closer to making this dream a reality.
“Together, I hope we can ignite the imaginations of young dreamers, encouraging them to undertake their own adventures - wherever they may be.”
Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive Officer, said: “At Aer Lingus, our mission is to connect people, places, and possibilities - and Dr. Norah Patten’s extraordinary journey to become the first Irish person in space is the perfect embodiment of that spirit. Her determination proves that with ambition, dedication, and the ability to dream big, anything is possible.
“We are immensely proud to support Norah as she embarks on this historic journey over the next two years. This is a once-in-a-generation milestone for Ireland, and we have no doubt that her mission will inspire people across the nation and beyond to pursue their own aspirations. Norah is a true trailblazer, paving the way for Irish women in STEM and leaving a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.”