Reaching for the stars: The story behind Dr. Norah Patten’s mission to space

In this very special episode of Guaranteed Irish Stories, Bríd speaks to Dr. Norah Patten — award-winning STEM advocate, aerospace engineer, and Ireland’s future astronaut 🌍🚀.Raised in Co. Mayo with a lifelong obsession with space, Norah’s dream is now becoming a reality: in June 2024, it was announced that she will undertake a commercial spaceflight, making history for Ireland.They discuss:📈 The rapid growth of Ireland’s space sector, including her work at Réaltra — Ireland’s only 100% Irish-owned space electronics company🧪 What astronaut training actually involves, from 4G force simulations to underwater testing and everything in between🌌 Her exciting upcoming mission, and what it means for young people dreaming big in STEMDr. Patten is also this year’s recipient of the Guaranteed Irish Special Recognition Award for her incredible contribution to science, space, and education.This is one small step for Norah… one giant leap for Irish innovation.On the Guaranteed Irish Stories podcast we speak to trailblazers from the Guaranteed Irish business community about how their businesses stay competitive in a global marketplace, what it stands for, its contribution to the local community and its support for Irish jobs.