New Delhi:
US Astronaut Peggy Whitson has made her country proud by adding one more star to her achievements. The lady broke another record for most non-consecutive days spent in space by an American. She has registered her record by spending 666 days in space- over the course of three missions.
In addition to this, the record-breaking 56-year-old Whitson has registered more space-walking time than any other female astronaut. She is also the first woman to command the International Space Station twice.
US President Donald Trump congratulated her for her achievement, "how does it feel to have broken such a big and important record?" the president asked. "That's an incredible record to break, and on behalf of our nation and frankly on behalf of the world, I'd like to congratulate you".
"We're excited about the Missions to Mars in the 2030s, and so we actually have hardware on the ground that's being built for the SLS rocket that's going to take us there", Whitson explained.
Whitson gave words of encouragement for students interested in pursuing STEM careers. “I want all the young people out there to recognize that the real steps (to getting to Mars) are going to be taken in a few years,” she said. “By studying math, science, engineering, any kind of technology, you're going to have a part in that, and that will be very exciting.”
Peggy is overwhelmed by her achievement and shared her entire journey of her career on her official Twitter account.
I love being on @Space_Station, and the science work is my favorite. Biochemistry, genetics, you name it! @ISS_Research has it all. pic.twitter.com/XenC4jggty
— Peggy Whitson (@AstroPeggy) April 24, 2017
It is one of those rides that you hope never ends. I am so grateful for all those who helped me on each of my missions! #LifeInSpace pic.twitter.com/msjKSg6WWH
— Peggy Whitson (@AstroPeggy) April 23, 2017
Whitson started her career as a research biochemist in 1989 and was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1996. In 2002, she made her first journey to the International Space Station.
