Aspiring astronaut Cillian completes his space mission
By Aideen O'Flaherty
AN ASPIRING astronaut from Rathfarnham recently completed a two-week simulated space mission – and he has also applied to the European Space Agency’s open call for astronauts.
Cillian Murphy, 28, an astrophysicist and past pupil of Coláiste Éanna in Ballyroan, has degrees in physics and space science and technology, and currently works as an engineer in Hungary.
Cillian Murphy (second from right and inset) was part of a six-person team that went on the Human Exploration in a Closed Analog Terrestrial Environment
However, last month he was part of a six-person team that went on the HECATE (Human Exploration in a Closed Analog Terrestrial Environment) mission at the LunAres Research Station in Poland, which recreated conditions that astronauts can expect when flying to the moon.
The crew’s ‘habitat’ included a core room called the atrium, which had a dome-shaped roof, and a spine of seven module rooms which the team used to conduct experiments, including studying the impact of isolation on astronauts.
The facility was attached to the side of a decommissioned aircraft hangar from World War II, which served as a bunker.
Outside the bunker, the surface was covered in sand to create a landscape reminiscent of the surface of the moon, and when the team ventured outside to it, they had to wear space suits.
They had sporadic contact with the outside world during the course of the two-week mission.
Former Coláiste Éanna student Cillian Murphy
“It was definitely different,” Cillian told The Echo. “I’ve been away from my family doing my own thing before, but I’ve never been as isolated as that.”
The mission included studying plant civilisation in space, and testing technology to improve spacewalking.
For Cillian, the experience strengthened his resolve to become an astronaut – and he recently applied to the European Space Agency’s (ESA) open call for astronauts.
“My highest ambition is to become an astronaut,” he said. “It’s more about inspiring people to see that it can be done and anyone can do it.
“It’s a journey that I’ve chosen for myself.”
Cillian’s interest in astronomy and space exploration was cemented when he was studying physics in UCD, and he went on to get a Master’s degree in space science and technology.
“Space in general, and everything to do with it, fascinates me,” he added.
His varied employment history includes an internship at the European Astronaut Centre in Germany, two years as a trainee in the ESA in Spain, and working as a leader in the International Astronomical Youth Camp.
When asked about what advice he’d give to people who want to pursue a career in the space industry, Cillian said: “In Ireland in particular, these careers can seem mystifying because there’s no internship or local space agency.
“The number one piece of advice that I’d give to people who are still in school is that you don’t need to be told by somebody else what you can do – there’s always a way in and a path you can follow.
“Talk to your teachers, to professors, and people who are closest to the career you want to do.
“Take advantage of the contacts you have and don’t sell yourself short . . . there’s barely anyone in astronomy or the space industry who hasn’t had imposter syndrome.”
The open call for astronauts for the ESA recently closed, and Cillian is now eagerly waiting to see if he’ll achieve his dream of one day walking on the moon.
