by Itunuoluwa Adebo

Almost 15 years after her first launch into space, NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson has now spent more time off-planet than any other American, at more than 534 days. The  57 year old is a biochemist who has twice commanded the International Space Station.

Whitson tweeted last night “It is one of those rides that you hope never ends, i am so grateful for all those who helped me on each of my missions!”

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Whitson was 56 when she left for her third long-term mission aboard the space station last November, making her the oldest woman in space It’s been a long journey for Whitson since she started work at NASA in the 1980s. Whitson is scheduled to return to Earth’s surface in September.

President Trump also tweeted his congratulations