NASA astronaut Christina Koch has made space history again.
Koch spent her 289th day orbiting Earth on the International Space Station on December 28, setting a new record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, according to NASA. She surpassed the previous record set by retired Station Commander Peggy Whitson.
Congrats to @Astro_Christina! 🎊Today she has achieved a huge milestone: she now holds the record for the longest continuous stay in space by a woman. 👩🚀 Thanks for all of the science you have helped us conduct during your mission so far. 🔬 pic.twitter.com/6ok1dCOsP8
— ISS Research (@ISS_Research) December 28, 2019
Koch set another milestone in October as part of the first all-female spacewalking crew with fellow astronaut Jessica Meir. It was Koch’s fourth spacewalk.
Koch is expected to return to Earth in February. She will have spent more than 300 days in space, according to NASA.
Koch graduated from North Carolina State University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and physics and a master’s degree in electrical engineering.
Whitson still holds the U.S. record for total time in space — at 665 days — over five flights, NASA said.
