Tullamore woman sets sights on space studies dream

A young Tullamore woman is hoping to fulfill her dream of undertaking a Space Studies Programme.

Rebecca Carragher has the ''unique opportunity and honour'' of representing Ireland at the International Space University where she has been accepted to attend the Space Studies Programme of 2025.

Rebecca has been given a €10,000 scholarship by the European Space Agency but it's up to her to fund the rest.

''The Space Studies Program (SSP) offers an intensive eight-week course hosted each year in the timeframe June-August in different locations around the world. It provides courses in all space disciplines, as well as hands-on education through workshops and professional visits. The International Space University’s 37th Space Studies Program (SSP) will be held in Greater Seoul, South Korea from 30th June to 22nd August 2025,'' Rebecca explains.

''The SSP is intended for people working in space-related fields who wish to broaden their knowledge base. During the SSP, participants work on team projects to address current and future challenges in the space sector,'' she says.

''I will be learning things like space engineering, space sciences, space law and politics, business and space technology.''

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Rebecca currently works as a communications and marketing professional with an art and design background. She works with Dr Niamh Shaw who was recently voted one of Ireland's leading science communicators and STEAM specialists.

Dr Shaw has had an enormous influence on Rebecca's life. She says that since her collaboration with Dr Shaw, ''I have been captivated by the space industry and its potential to inspire and innovate. Working alongside Dr. Shaw has been a transformative experience. Her dedication to communicating the wonders of space science has ignited a profound fascination within me.

I feel that I have been pulled into this world by destiny. I believe that many different types of people and expertise can be a strong asset to any industry, especially one like space.''

Rebecca has set up her own GoFund me page and people are invited to donate to help her to fulfill her dream.

''So I hurl my little dream into your hands and hope, with your help, that I get to glimpse into the wonderful world of space,'' concludes Rebecca.

If you would like to make a contribution, follow this link https://www.gofundme.com/f/align-the-stars-fund-my-space-education-journey