American biochemist and astronaut who holds the record for the most time spent in space by an American, with a total of 289 days, 5 hours, and 1 minute. She is also known for her three long-duration stays on the International Space Station.
Peggy Whitson, a renowned American biochemist and astronaut, holds the distinction of spending the most time in space by an American or woman, with a staggering 665 days in orbit. Her illustrious career with NASA, which spanned over two decades, saw her break numerous records and pave the way for future generations of space explorers.
Whitson grew up on a farm in Iowa, where her fascination with space began at a tender age. Watching the first Moon landing on television in 1969 sparked her dream of becoming an astronaut. She went on to graduate from Mount Ayr Community High School in 1978 and later received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry from Iowa Wesleyan College.
Whitson's exceptional leadership skills led to her appointment as NASA's Chief Astronaut in 2009, making her the first woman to hold the position. She was included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2018.
After retiring from NASA in 2018, Whitson became a consultant for Axiom Space. She has since commanded Axiom Mission 2 and is set to command Axiom Mission 4, further cementing her legacy in space exploration.
Peggy Whitson's remarkable career has inspired countless individuals, particularly women, to pursue careers in STEM fields. Her trailblazing achievements have paved the way for future generations of astronauts, ensuring that her legacy continues to soar beyond the boundaries of Earth's atmosphere.
74 Years Old
American physicist and astronaut who broke barriers as the first woman in space, inspiring generations of women in STEM fields. Founded a company to promote science education and literacy.
88 Years Old
First woman in space, completing 48 orbits of the Earth in 1963, paving the way for future female astronauts.
95 Years Old
First person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, marking a historic milestone in space exploration.
95 Years Old
Second man to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, a pioneering astronaut and advocate for space exploration.
61 Years Old
Spent a year in space, setting a record for the longest single spaceflight by an American, and providing valuable insights into the effects of long-term space travel on the human body.
66 Years Old
A highly decorated military pilot and astronaut who commanded the International Space Station, known for his incredible spacewalks and making space exploration accessible through social media.
53 Years Old
First British astronaut to visit the International Space Station, conducting scientific experiments and inspiring a new generation of space enthusiasts.
67 Years Old
Russian engineer and astronaut who spent 803 days in space, holding the record for the most time in space until 2015, and was a hero in the Soviet Union. He flew on six space missions and was a key figure in the Russian space program.
