Born: 1960 (Beaconsfield, Iowa)
Biography:
Peggy Annette Whitson, born on February 9, 1960, is an American biochemistry researcher, retired NASA astronaut, former NASA Chief Astronaut, and an active Axiom Space astronaut. With a remarkable career spanning across several space missions, Whitson has left an indelible mark on the field of space exploration.
Born and raised on a farm near the town of Beaconsfield, Iowa, Whitson developed a deep curiosity about the cosmos from an early age. In 1969, she witnessed the awe-inspiring first Moon landing on television, which ignited her dream of becoming an astronaut. This pivotal moment would shape the course of her life, leading her to pursue a career in space exploration.
Whitson’s journey towards the stars began with her education. After graduating from Mount Ayr Community High School in 1978, she went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1981. Her thirst for knowledge led her to Rice University, where she earned her doctorate in biochemistry in 1986 under the guidance of Kathleen Matthews. Whitson continued her research as a Robert A Welch Post-doctoral Fellow at Rice until October 1986.
Following her outstanding academic achievements, Whitson embarked on her NASA career at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. She started as a National Research Council Resident Research Associate and later served as the Supervisor for the Biochemistry Research Group at KRUG International, a medical sciences contractor at NASA-JSC. Her expertise in biochemistry proved invaluable in furthering our understanding of the human body in space.
In 2002, Whitson realized her childhood dream as she embarked on her first space mission, joining Expedition 5 aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for an extended stay. This marked the beginning of her awe-inspiring journey among the stars. However, it was her second mission, Expedition 16 in 2007-2008, that made history. Whitson became the first woman to command the ISS, showcasing her leadership abilities and breaking down barriers for women in space exploration.
Deeply committed to her craft, Whitson made significant contributions to NASA throughout her career. In 2009, she became the first woman to serve as NASA’s Chief Astronaut, a position considered the pinnacle of achievement within the NASA Astronaut Corps. Her exemplary leadership and dedication exemplified the heights that women can reach in fields traditionally dominated by men.
Whitson’s thirst for exploration continued as she commanded the International Space Station for a second time in 2017. With her 289-day flight, she set the record for the longest single space flight by a woman, cementing her status as a trailblazer and role model for future generations of astronauts. Notably, her record was later surpassed by Christina Koch’s 328-day flight, highlighting the tremendous strides women have made in the field of space exploration.
Throughout her illustrious career, Whitson broke records and pushed boundaries. She holds the records for the oldest woman spacewalker and the most spacewalks by a woman, with a cumulative EVA time of 60 hours and 21 minutes, placing her in fifth place for total EVA time. Even in her final NASA flight at the age of 57, she became the oldest woman to venture into space, a record that was later surpassed in 2021 by Wally Funk. Furthermore, in 2023, at the age of 63, Whitson orbited the Earth, solidifying her position as the oldest woman to achieve this remarkable feat.
After retiring from NASA on June 15, 2018, Whitson transitioned into a new role as a consultant for Axiom Space. Her expertise and wealth of knowledge have been invaluable in shaping the future of space exploration. Currently serving as the commander of Axiom Mission 2, she continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of astronauts, leaving an indelible legacy.
Whitson’s numerous achievements and groundbreaking contributions have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of her outstanding impact, she was included in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2018. This well-deserved accolade represents the profound influence Whitson has had on society and her significant contributions to women’s history.
Awards:
– Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2018.