Christina Koch

Christina Hammock Koch is a NASA astronaut and electrical engineer known for her contributions to human space exploration. Selected as an astronaut after working on scientific instruments for NASA missions focused on astrophysics and cosmology at Goddard Space Flight Center, Koch also developed an algorithm for micro turbo-molecular vacuum pumps intended for Mars rovers. Her expertise in remote scientific engineering is complemented by experience in extreme environments, including a winter-over at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, where she served on firefighting and glacier search-and-rescue teams. These roles developed her skills in resilience and problem-solving, establishing her as a resource on perseverance and innovation in science and engineering.

Koch served as flight engineer on the International Space Station for Expeditions 59, 60, and 61, conducting more than 210 investigations in biology, Earth science, physical sciences, and technology development. Her work included robotics operations for upgrades to the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, growing protein crystals for pharmaceutical research, and testing 3D biological printers in microgravity. Koch performed six spacewalks totaling over 42 hours, including the first all-female spacewalk with Jessica Meir, and set the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman at 328 days.

Koch later served as mission specialist on the Artemis II crew, becoming the first woman to travel beyond low Earth orbit and around the Moon, alongside astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen. She previously led as Branch Chief of the Assigned Crew Branch in NASA's Astronaut Office and contributed to technical integration at Johnson Space Center, supporting NASA's objectives for lunar and Mars exploration. Koch's experience includes addressing logistical challenges such as spacesuit adaptations during mission planning, demonstrating adaptability in advancing human spaceflight.

Koch's career, spanning instrument development, space station missions, and lunar travel, positions her as an authoritative figure in space science and engineering, sharing insights on microgravity, deep space, and the evolving frontiers of human exploration.