Record-breaking NASA astronaut Christina Koch returns to Earth today after almost a year in space.
Having lived and worked aboard the International Space Station for a whopping 328 days, she now holds the title of longest single spaceflight by a woman.
(On Dec. 28, 2019, she surpassed the previous record of 288, set by NASA’s Peggy Whitson, whose three long-duration space missions together lasted 665 days.)
Koch’s mission spanned three expeditions (59, 60, and 61), and helped scientists gather data for future trips to the Moon and Mars.
She participated in more than 210 investigations, researching microgravity on Mizuna mustard greens, combustion, bioprinting, kidney diseases, and how the human body adjusts to weightlessness, isolation, radiation, and the stress of long-duration spaceflight.
One of her most memorable experiments, according to NASA, was the Microgravity Crystals investigation, which involved crystalizing a membrane protein integral to tumor growth.
Study results may support the development of more effective cancer treatments, with fewer side effects.
Koch made history in October when she and fellow NASA grad Jessica Meir completed the first (and second, and third) all-female spacewalk.
“We caught each other’s eye and we knew that we were really honored with this opportunity to inspire so many,” she said of the momentous occasion. “Just hearing our voices talk to Mission Control, knowing two female voices had never been on the loops, solving those problems together outside—it was a really special feeling.”
This week, Koch joined European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov on the journey home.
NASA astronaut Christina Koch collects and packs Mizuna mustard greens (via NASA)
But after nearly a year adjusting to life in microgravity, the trio will need to acclimate to the weight of Earth.
“I’ve forgotten how much things weigh, how much effort it takes to move just my arms and legs in opposition to gravity,” Koch said.
But weight won’t be her biggest issue.
“I think the most physically shocking readjustment will be balance,” she explained.
Without gravity pulling the body down, the mind stops listening to the inner ear and instead relies solely on visual cues. It can take a couple of days after landing for the brain to recalibrate.
Returning astronauts face plenty of other challenges, including learning to sleep on a stationary bed, use a knife and fork, and make sartorial and dietary choices again.
“For the last several years, in training and on orbit, my schedule has been prescribed, minute-by-minute, my food limited, clothes chosen months in advance,” Koch said. “Shopping in a grocery or department store seems like a daunting task.”
There are perks, too, though. Like fresh air, sunshine, the sound of the surf crashing on the beach. Sweet smells. And a real hot shower.
“I cannot wait to feel and hear Earth again,” Koch said.
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