There have been nine crewed NASA Apollo missions to the moon. Of these, six resulted in successful landings, and across all nine missions, a total of 24 human beings have made the journey. Of those 24 people, there have been zero women … until now.
Capable and clever women have been part of NASA’s history. Not exactly in their droves, and certainly not on missions that involved leaving Earth, but still in critical positions that enabled astronauts to travel safely to the moon and back again. Then in walks Christina Koch, an avid outdoorswoman who loves a challenge.
Introducing Christina Koch
Christina Koch is an American engineer and NASA astronaut. She has lived and worked aboard the International Space Station (ISS), conducted the world’s first all-female spacewalks, set the world record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, and now she is one of the first humans to travel further than any person has ever travelled before – to the far side of the moon.
Early years
Koch, a keen explorer of STEM subjects, was curious about spaceflight from a young age and aspired to become an astronaut. Following her passion, she studied abroad at the University of Ghana as part of her degree at North Carolina State University – an experience she describes as one of her most profound, one that opened her eyes to the wider world around her. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and physics, followed by a Master of Science in electrical engineering.
During her time at college, as a summer pet project, she decided to build a lightning machine, or, as it is also known, a Tesla coil. The project was a success and only served to strengthen Koch’s calling. After gaining her Bachelor’s Degree, she went on to secure her Master of Science Degree in electrical engineering.
In 2001, she completed the NASA Academy programme at the Goddard Space Flight Centre.
In the years that followed, Koch spent time working and researching in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Her winter-over at the South Pole involved enduring harsh environmental conditions that were physically and mentally challenging – months without sunlight, without new people, without news from the outside world, or even fresh food. A gruelling experience, but a testament to her passion and resilience. From this experience, long before she knew it, she was already in training to visit the far side of the moon.
Flying high
In 2013, Koch became part of NASA’s Astronaut Group 21. Two years later, she had graduated and was ready for future missions.
In 2019, she launched to the ISS aboard Soyuz MS-12. Between 2019 and 2020, Koch and fellow astronaut Jessica Meir completed three all-female spacewalks – a physically and mentally demanding task. These necessary walks enable critical work outside of a spacecraft to be carried out, such as repair or maintenance. They are called spacewalks, but they are actually marathons that can last up to eight demanding hours. Another astronaut, Anne McClain, should have joined Koch on her first all-female spacewalk; however, due to constraints with the sizing of the spacesuit – which is already tough to operate in, even more so when the dimensions were not designed with women in mind, not to mention that spacesuits are a critical component of being outside a spacecraft – McClain had to be replaced.
In 2019, Koch also completed an impromptu extended period in space. At 328 days, it is the longest single, continuous spaceflight by a woman, and the first time NASA had extended a first-time astronaut’s mission in this way. This experience has since led to Koch being studied for the physical, biological, and psychological effects of long-duration spaceflight on women.
In 2023, Koch was announced for the Artemis II mission as a mission specialist, and on 1st April 2026, she was on her way to the furthest reaches of the moon – setting a record not just for women, but, along with the rest of the crew, for all of humankind.
A call to women
Outside of her incredible passion for what she does, Koch finds joy in the natural world right here on Earth. She spends time with family and friends, and has even completed a solo motorcycle ride across America.
Koch is a testament to what becomes possible when you follow the calling that speaks to your heart – and to the quiet, extraordinary power of showing up for it, again and again, no matter what stands in your way. Periods of literal darkness. Ill-fitting equipment. Months away from home. She met every obstacle with grace, determination, and resilience, and kept going anyway.
That is what it looks like to pursue a dream without apology. And for every woman watching from the ground, looking up – she has shown that the distance between where you are and where you want to be is not always as vast as it seems.
