Dr. Peggy Whitson

Peggy Whitson, Ph.D., Americaʼs most experienced astronaut, flew on three NASA long-duration space flights and Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) and Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), accumulating 695 days in space, more than any other American astronaut or woman astronaut in the world. Her most recent trip to space was in 2025 as the Commander of Ax-4.

Whitson has over 37 years of space and science experience with NASA and is currently serving as director of human spaceflight for Axiom Space. Throughout her career, Whitson has held various positions to include NASAʼs chief of the Astronaut Office, chair of NASAʼs Astronaut Selection Board, chief of NASAʼs Operations Branch, and deputy division chief for both NASAʼs Medical Sciences and the Astronaut Office.

On Ax-2, Whitson became the first female commander of a private space mission, adding to her accomplishments as the first two-time female commander of the ISS, and the first woman, non-military chief of NASAʼs Astronaut Office. During her three previous space missions to the ISS (Expeditions 5, 16, 50/51/52), she conducted 10 spacewalks, logging over 60 hours. Throughout Whitsonʼs career, she has contributed to hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science, and Earth science. Whitson received degrees in biology and chemistry from lowa Wesleyan and a doctoral degree in biochemistry from Rice University.

She has been honored with numerous awards, including NASA medals in Leadership, National Air and Space Museum’s Michael Collin’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2024); Outstanding Leadership, and Exceptional Service; Forbes 50 over 50 (2023); TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World (2018); and Women in Aviation Lifetime Achievement Award (2017) and the 2025 inductee of the Astronaut Hall of Fame.