Norah Patten, an aeronautical engineer, bioastronautics researcher and future astronaut, is delivering a talk at the Planetarium Hall, Esplora, Kalkara, on Monday, April 28 at 3pm.
Patten is a member of the International Institute for Astronautical Science (IIAS) and was announced as part of the IIAS-02 crew in June 2024. She is currently preparing for her first research spaceflight with Virgin Galactic, which will also make her the first Irish person to fly to space.
With a background in aeronautical engineering and extensive experience in space research, Patten has participated in a range of microgravity research campaigns, which included spacesuit testing, and 3D bioprinting technologies for medical applications. She has served as principal investigator on research involving the behaviour of water droplets in microgravity and continues to explore novel, space-based solutions to real-world challenges.
Patten is also a strong advocate for STEM outreach. She created and led Ireland’s first student experiment sent to the International Space Station in partnership with NanoRacks and the Irish Composites Centre, and is the author of Shooting for the Stars, which won the ‘An Post Irish Book Award’ for Book of the Year in 2019.
Currently working at Réalta Space Systems Engineering in Dublin, Patten holds a PhD in aeronautical engineering and has experience with organisations such as Boeing and Bell Labs. She has held faculty roles with the International Space University and has received several recognitions for her work in education and space science.
The special event, being organised by Xjenza Malta, in conjunction with the Embassy of Ireland to Malta, will give attendees the opportunity to hear about Patten’s research, her personal career journey into the space sector, and her upcoming space flight.
Registration is to be effected by e-mail to space.xjenzamalta@gov.mt by Friday, April 25.
This article was provided by Xjenza Malta.
