Peggy Whitson

Peggy Whitson‏‎ (born February 9, 1960) is an American biochemist and astronaut. She is known for her extensive career with NASA and holds several records in space travel.

Early Life and Education

Whitson was born in Mount Ayr, Iowa, and grew up on a farm. She attended Iowa Wesleyan College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry. She later earned a doctorate in biochemistry from Rice University.

Career

Whitson joined NASA in 1986 as a research biochemist. She was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1996. Her first space mission was in 2002, aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour for Expedition 5, where she served as the flight engineer.

In 2008, Whitson became the first female commander of the International Space Station (ISS) during Expedition 16. She returned to the ISS for Expedition 51, again serving as commander.

Whitson holds several records in space travel. She is the oldest woman to travel in space, the first woman to command the ISS twice, and the woman with the most time spent in space.

Awards and Honors

Whitson has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to space exploration. These include the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, and the NASA Space Flight Medal. She was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2019.

See Also

• List of female astronauts
• Women in space
• NASA Astronaut Group 16