British Astronaut's Intense Spacewalk Training: A 6-Hour Underwater Simulation

A British astronaut, Rosemary Coogan, recently completed an intense six-hour training session in a 12-meter deep pool at the European Space Agency. The pool contains a life-sized replica of the International Space Station (ISS). The training simulated the conditions of a spacewalk, with divers adjusting Coogan's buoyancy to mimic microgravity. Coogan performed a series of maintenance tasks and a simulated rescue of a colleague. "It was physically and psychologically intense," Coogan said, "You really think through every single movement." This unique training method provides valuable preparation for the challenges of spacewalks. The successful completion of this exercise demonstrates the rigorous preparation astronauts undertake to ensure mission success.