A Belfast-born astrophysicist is preparing for her first mission to space as an ESA astronaut. Dr Rosemary Coogan has been training to be an astronaut since she was selected by the European Space Agency for their class of 2022. It is expected her first mission will be to the International Space Station before 2030. Dr Coogan was speaking to young space enthusiasts at a Science Week event in Dundalk, Co Louth. Link in bio to read more 📲 #rtenews #ireland #esa #space | RTÉ News

Our planet is a living, breathing, and ever-changing world. 🌍 These three views from recent spacewalks outside the International Space Station, all captured from 250 km (155 mi) in orbit, reveal its dramatic story. 1️⃣ The Dance of Light: An astronaut works under suit lights during a night pass, with the ethereal glow of the Aurora Australis painting the sky over the frozen Antarctic landscape. 2️⃣The Lungs of the Planet: A stark view of the Amazon Basin, where the lush rainforest is juxtaposed