![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/k1-space.jpg?w=1024)
Christina Koch is an astronaut. She worked at the International Space Station. Her mission
mission
STRINGER—SPUTNIK/AP
an assignment; a job to be carried out
(noun)
Peggy Whitson holds the record for the oldest woman to go on a space mission.
lasted 328 days. Here is how she spent her time.
Researching
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/K1_space4.jpg?w=1024)
Koch did science experiments. She tested robots. She studied how vegetables grow in space.
Making Repairs
repair
OLGA KHORKOVA—EYEEM/GETTY IMAGES
the act of fixing something
(noun)
I needed repairs on my computer.
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/K1_space3.jpg?w=1024)
The space station needed repairs. Koch would put on a spacesuit. She would step outside to do the work.
Hanging Out
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/K1_space6.jpg?w=1024)
The crew ate together. See the floating fruit? There is less gravity
gravity
SOLSTOCK—GETTY IMAGES
the force that pulls things toward the Earth or any other large body, such as a planet or a moon
(noun)
Waterslide designers rely on gravity to get riders from the top of a slide to the bottom.
in space. Things float if they are not held down.
Thinking of Home
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/K1_space2.jpg?w=1024)
Koch took photos of Earth. The planet was 250 miles below. “The view takes my breath away,” Koch says. “The blues are very bright. The Earth glows.”
Did You Know?
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/K1_space5.jpg?w=1024)
Koch was part of an all-woman spacewalk. It was the first one ever. Koch is shown here on the right. She is with Jessica Meir. They are getting ready to step into space.