{"id":18470,"date":"2018-06-15T19:12:06","date_gmt":"2018-06-15T11:12:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/nasas-most-experienced-astronaut-peggy-whitson-hangs-up-her-space-helmet\/"},"modified":"2018-06-15T19:12:06","modified_gmt":"2018-06-15T11:12:06","slug":"nasas-most-experienced-astronaut-peggy-whitson-hangs-up-her-space-helmet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/nasas-most-experienced-astronaut-peggy-whitson-hangs-up-her-space-helmet\/","title":{"rendered":"NASA\u2019s most experienced astronaut, Peggy Whitson, hangs up her space helmet"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Peggy
NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson is framed by one of the windows in the International Space Station\u2019s Cupola during her 2016-2017 tour of duty. (NASA Photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who holds the U.S. record for most cumulative time in space, is retiring after 22 years in the astronaut corps and three tours of duty on the International Space Station.<\/p>\n

Whitson, 58, became the station\u2019s first female commander in 2007, the first woman to head the Astronaut Office in 2009, and the oldest woman to fly in space in 2016. She also holds the record for most spacewalks by a woman (10).<\/p>\n

Her total in-space time of 665 days \u2014  gained during space station stays in 2002, 2008 and 2016-2017 \u2014 puts her on top of the list for NASA astronauts. Only six spacefliers, all Russians, rank higher.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeggy Whitson is a testament to the American spirit,\u201d  NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said in a statement. \u201cHer determination, strength of mind, character, and dedication to science, exploration, and discovery are an inspiration to NASA and America. We owe her a great debt for her service and she will be missed. We thank her for her service to our agency and country.\u201d<\/p>\n