NC State grad, NASA astronaut Christina Koch sets record for longest single spaceflight by a woman

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- NC State alum and NASA astronaut Christina Koch set a new record for longest single spaceflight by a woman.

The record was 288 days set by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. Koch broke that record on Dec. 28, 2019.

Koch launched into space on March 15. She is expected to spend about 11 months on board the International Space Station, falling short of astronaut Scott Kelly's 340-day U.S. record.

SEE ALSO: NC State alum Christina Koch enjoying holidays on International Space Station

Koch grew up in Jacksonville, North Carolina. She attended North Carolina School of Science and Math before graduating from North Carolina State University.

On Oct. 18, Koch made history by taking part in the world's first female spacewalking team.

On Jan. 9, NASA celebrated Koch's 300th day in space with a special video posted to Youtube.