On October 18, 2019, Christina Koch participated in the first all-female spacewalk alongside Jessica Meir. Though born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Koch was raised right here in Jacksonville, North Carolina. As a child, her dream was to become an astronaut—a dream she accomplished through hard work and perseverance. Now, along with her achievement of being one of the first women involved in an all-female spacewalk, she is “slated to set a record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman with an expected total of 328 days in space”.
Koch attended the prestigious North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, from which she graduated in 1997. Located in Durham, North Carolina, the two-year, public high school’s focus on mathematics, science, and technology was a great lead-up to Koch’s continued education at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. She earned both a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Physics before following that with a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. In 2001, she also graduated from the NASA Academy program at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).
In 2013, Koch became an astronaut candidate. According to a media advisory from NASA released on October 17, half of Koch’s class were women and included Jessica Meir. After rigorous training, among which was wilderness survival training, instruction about the International Space Station Systems, robotics, and other important topics, Koch received her first assignment for space flight in 2018. She is now part of three expeditions (Expedition 59, 60, and 61), and it is planned for her to remain in orbit until February 2020.
Though women in the past have performed spacewalks, Koch and Meir’s all-female spacewalk is evidence of it being a great time for girls and women in America. More women are entering the male-dominated fields of science and mathematics, which can be seen especially in the rise of female astronauts. Koch’s success in striving for and achieving what may have seemed an impossible childhood dream is a fantastic example of the possibilities open to those who refuse to give up. She is definitely a worthy role-model for other girls and women with equally-lofty—and attainable—aspirations.
In Jacksonville, North Carolina, it can be easy to forget about the true size of the world. Nestled in amongst seemingly endless trees, it can sometimes feel like nothing else exists, and with the large military presence and history hovering over the town, it might seem like joining the military is the best (or only) option. Christina Koch’s story and ambitions are excellent reminders that there is more to life outside of these trees, and with dedication, time, and tenacity, it is possible to reach what you are striving for—even if you are reaching for the stars.
We are incredibly proud of Christina Koch and all that she has accomplished, and we wish her the best in her current expedition and all the years to come.
