Date of Birth: February 9, 1960
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Biography
Dr. Peggy Annette Whitson is an American biochemistry researcher and retired NASA astronaut. Born in Mount Ayr, Iowa, she has made significant contributions to space exploration and holds several records in the field. Whitson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1981 and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Rice University in 1985. She joined NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, in 1986 and became an astronaut in 1996. Whitson has completed three long-duration missions to the International Space Station (ISS). She became the first female commander of the ISS in 2007 and commanded it again in 2017. Whitson holds the U.S. record for the most cumulative days spent in space, with a total of 665 days. She has also performed ten spacewalks, totaling 60 hours and 21 minutes, the most by any woman astronaut. Whitson retired from NASA in 2018 and continues to inspire future generations through her work and public speaking engagements.
5 Interesting Facts about Peggy Whitson
1. Peggy Whitson was the first female commander of the International Space Station.
2. She holds the record for the most cumulative days spent in space by an American astronaut, with 665 days.
3. Whitson was the first woman to serve as the Chief Astronaut of NASA’s Astronaut Office.
4. She conducted ten spacewalks, the most by any woman, totaling over 60 hours.
5. Whitson became the oldest woman to fly in space at the age of 57 during her last mission in 2017.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Peggy Whitson
1. “There are a lot of things that you can do in life, but the things that you are most proud of are the things that are the hardest to do.”
2. “I think the biggest challenge is trying to figure out how to stay positive and motivated in an environment that’s so isolated.”
3. “Space is not only an adventure; it’s a responsibility.”
4. “You can’t achieve anything significant without a little discomfort.”
5. “The more you dream, the more you can achieve.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
As of 2023, Peggy Whitson’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Peggy Whitson does not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [NASA Biography](https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/peggy-a-whitson
2. [Wikipedia Page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peggy_Whitson
3. [Space.com Profile](https://www.space.com/peggy-whitson-biography.html
4. [Forbes Article](https://www.forbes.com/profile/peggy-whitson/
5. [TED Talk](https://www.ted.com/speakers/peggy_whitson
