Peggy Whitson

Peggy Whitson is an American biochemist and astronaut. She was born in Mount Ayr, Iowa, in 1960. She has spent more time in space than any other American astronaut. She was also the first woman to command the International Space Station.

Early Life

Whitson grew up on a farm in Iowa. She became interested in space after watching the Apollo Moon landings on television. She studied biology and biochemistry in college. She worked as a researcher at NASA before being selected as an astronaut in 1996.

Record-Breaking Career

Whitson flew to the International Space Station three times. She spent a total of 665 days in space, the most of any American astronaut. She was the first woman to command the space station twice. She also holds the record for the most spacewalks by a woman.

Fun Facts

• Peggy Whitson spent 665 days in space, the most of any American astronaut.
• She was the first woman to command the International Space Station.
• She performed ten spacewalks during her career.

Did You Know?

Peggy Whitson grew up on a small farm in Iowa and dreamed of being an astronaut. NASA rejected her application ten times before she was finally selected.