Peggy Whitson Biography: Height, Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Husband, Awards

Peggy Whitson is a retired American astronaut and biochemist, born on February 9, 1960, in Beaconsfield, Iowa.

She holds the record for the longest time spent in space by a woman, with over 665 days in orbit.

Whitson became the first female commander of the International Space Station in 2007 and has completed multiple space missions throughout her career with NASA.

Profile

• Full Name: Peggy Annette Whitson
• Stage Name: Peggy Whitson
• Born: February 9, 1960
• Age: 65 years old
• Birthplace: Beaconsfield, Iowa, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Astronaut, Biochemist
• Height: 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
• Parent: Keith Whitson, Beth Whitson
• Siblings: Kathy Bretz
• Spouse: Clarence F. Sams
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $7 million

Early Life and Education

Peggy Whitson was born on February 9, 1960, in Beaconsfield, Iowa, USA. She is 65 years old. Her parents are Keith and Beth Whitson. She grew up on a farm with her family and developed a passion for science and space exploration at an early age. Her sister, Kathy Bretz, is her sibling.

Whitson is of European-American ethnicity and is known to practice Christianity, reflecting her background and upbringing. Her family’s strong support and encouragement played a significant role in shaping her career.

Peggy attended Iowa Wesleyan College for her education, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1981. She then pursued graduate studies at Rice University in Houston, Texas, earning a Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1985.

Peggy’s academic excellence laid the foundation for her future space research and exploration career, which ultimately led her to join NASA as an astronaut in 1989.

Career

Peggy Whitson’s career is a remarkable journey of determination and achievement in space exploration. After earning her Ph.D. in biochemistry, Whitson joined NASA in 1989 as a researcher and mission specialist.

Her science expertise and passion for space quickly led her to be selected as an astronaut candidate in 1996. In 1999, Peggy became an astronaut, and in 2002, she made her first spaceflight aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour as part of the STS-111 mission.

This marked the beginning of her impressive career in space. Over the next decade, Whitson flew on multiple missions and accumulated significant experience in space operations, including scientific research and technical work aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Whitson became the first female commander of the ISS in 2007 during Expedition 16, a pivotal moment in her career and for women in space. By the time of her retirement, she had not only made history as a trailblazer for women in space but also became the longest-serving American astronaut in space.

One of her most notable achievements is her record for the longest cumulative time spent in space by any NASA astronaut, male or female, with 665 days, 22 hours, and 22 minutes. Whitson also holds the record for the most spacewalks by a female astronaut, with 10 spacewalks totaling over 60 hours.

Throughout her career, Whitson participated in several high-profile missions. She flew on Expedition 16, Expedition 22, and Expedition 50, during which she contributed to the development of scientific experiments and station operations. Her work helped advance space research, particularly in biological and medical studies, which are crucial for future long-term space exploration missions.

In 2017, Peggy Whitson completed her final space mission, Expedition 50, and retired from NASA in 2018. Her contributions to space exploration have earned her numerous honors, including NASA’s Space Flight Medal, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

After her retirement, Whitson became a role model for women in STEM fields and an advocate for inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts. She continues to inspire people worldwide with her dedication, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievements in space exploration.

Awards and Nominations

• NASA Space Flight Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal
• NASA Distinguished Service Medal
• Outstanding Leadership Medal

Social Media

• Twitter handle: @AstroPeggy

Personal Life

Peggy Whitson, the retired American astronaut and biochemist, is married to her longtime partner, Clarence F. Sams. The couple has been together for many years and tied the knot in 1989. Their enduring relationship has been a supportive foundation throughout Whitson’s groundbreaking career in space exploration.

Peggy Whitson is 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall, a stature that has certainly not hindered her from achieving extraordinary success in the male-dominated field of space exploration.

Net Worth

Peggy Whitson’s estimated net Worth is $7 million, reflecting her distinguished career as an astronaut, scientist, and speaker. Her primary source of income comes from her extensive work with NASA, where she served as an astronaut for over two decades.

While at NASA, Whitson participated in multiple space missions, including long-duration stays on the International Space Station (ISS), which garnered significant pay for her role as an astronaut and commander.

In addition to her career at NASA, Whitson has earned income through public speaking engagements, motivational talks, and advocacy work, inspiring young women and aspiring scientists. She has also written books and participated in various media projects, contributing to her wealth.