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To the Stars

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Christina Koch looks down at the Earth from the window of the Orion spacecraft.

Apr 9, 2026

Koch Eager For Splashdown

Three-time NC State graduate and Artemis II astronaut Christina Koch and the other three members of the crew are headed back to Earth following NASA’s first return to the moon in more than 50 years. 
Christina Koch and her fellow crew members prepare to board their Orion spacecraft atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket as part of a demonstration test in 2025.

Apr 1, 2026

See You on the Dark Side of the Moon

Three-time NC State graduate Christina Koch and her three Artemis II crewmates will blast off to the moon as early as Wednesday evening. 
Christina Koch mingles with students during a visit to NC State.

Apr 1, 2026

From the Brickyard to the Moon: Christina Koch Through the Years

Ahead of her moon-bound NASA mission, explore a timeline of Christina Koch's life and career. 
Chancellor Woodson and NASA astronaut Christina Koch sit on stage at Stewart Theatre with a starry background behind them. The image also contains the Red Chair Chats graphic, which says "Red Chair Chats with Chancellor Woodson. Special guest: Christina Koch"

Dec 14, 2023

To the Moon: Chancellor Woodson Talks Artemis II and Chasing Dreams with NASA Astronaut Christina Koch

NASA astronaut and three-time NC State alum Christina Koch joins Chancellor Woodson for the first live episode of Red Chair Chats and previews the Artemis II mission, slated to orbit the moon in fall 2024. 
Shilpa Kancharla at her workstation with a computer screen in the background.

Nov 18, 2021

NASA Intern Works on AI’s Next Generation

During an internship with the NASA Glenn Research Center, Shilpa Kancharla researched ways to replicate natural neural networks and show how they can be applied to cognitive communications. Think of it as "Think and Do" with artificial intelligence. 
Under red light, green plants grow in several small containers at the VEGGIE growth chamber at Kennedy Space Center.

Jul 21, 2021

Plants Return from Space in Microgravity Research Projects

The plant biology experiments of two NC State researchers are back on Earth after spending weeks at the International Space Station. 
Astronaut Christina Koch gives a press conference

Feb 12, 2020

Climbing Into Space

Of the many things NASA astronaut Christina Koch learned while earning three degrees at NC State, one of the most useful was her first foray onto the rock climbing wall at Carmichael Gymnasium. 
NC State alumna and astronaut Christina Koch

Aug 22, 2019

Astronaut and Alumna to Hold Live Video Q&A From Space

Christina Koch will talk with students through a live video downlink on Friday, Aug. 30. Catch all the action at Talley Student Union. 
NC State graduate student Mallory Kinczyk in her office on campus.

Aug 15, 2019

Paving the Way to the Stars

The North Carolina Space Grant program is supporting the scientists and astronauts of tomorrow. 
Astronaut Christina Koch delivering a talk at NC State University

Mar 6, 2019

Blasting Off Into History

Three-time NC State graduate Christina Hammock Koch takes off for the International Space Station on March 14. She plans to conduct experiments on various subjects — and make history. 
Smiling graduates

Nov 27, 2018

NASA Engineer, Leader to Give NC State Fall Commencement Speech

NC State grads will draw inspiration from commencement speaker Christine Mann Darden, an internationally recognized researcher whose work is fueling the development of supersonic jets. 

Jul 24, 2017

NASA Grant Funds Research Into Tracking UAVs

A new, NASA-funded project at NC State aims to develop new tools for navigation and surveillance of manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). 
Christina Hammock Koch at Talley Student Union

Sep 27, 2016

To the Stars

Since childhood, Christina Hammock Koch has wanted to be an astronaut. After following her own path, the NC State alumna has done it.