Engineer bids to become first Irishwoman in space

Talented engineer Norah Patten is hoping to become the first Irishwoman in space — and is appealing for votes to help her reach for the stars.

Dr Patten, 29, from Ballina, Co Mayo, is chair of the Space Management and Business Department at the International Space University and has entered a competition to win a spot on a spaceplane rocketing off the planet.

“I developed a passion for space at an early stage. This opportunity would really be the realisation of a childhood dream,” she said.