NASA astronaut Christina Koch, a mission specialist for Artemis II, received the Order of the Tar Heel. This is the highest award given by the North Carolina Commissioner of Labor. Koch, who grew up in Jacksonville and graduated from N.C. State University, was the first woman to travel beyond low Earth orbit. Her crew also set a record for how far humans have traveled in space.
Labor Commissioner Luke Farley presented the award. He said Koch's work with NASA made history. He also noted her efforts to encourage students in STEM education are very important. The award recognized her NASA work and her support for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
Koch explained that her mission was possible because many workers contributed their unique skills. A-B Emblem from Weaverville, North Carolina, was one of the businesses recognized. They produced the Artemis II patch, which the astronauts designed.
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Start Your News DetoxKoch believes NASA and its workers have a partnership. She said many high-skilled manufacturing and technical jobs are created by a desire to explore. Building a strong STEM workforce starts with getting students interested in science and math when they are young.
Answering Young Explorers' Questions
During the event, Koch answered questions from two dozen elementary school students.
One student asked if she knew she wanted to be an astronaut at their age. Koch said she did, but also knew it would be very hard. She worked toward her dream while also doing things she enjoyed.
Another student asked about her favorite planet besides Earth. Koch chose Jupiter because of its huge magnetic field and beautiful auroras. She explained that these lights dance in Jupiter's sky, just like the Northern Lights on Earth.
When asked what it feels like to sleep upside down in space, Koch said it feels the same as sleeping right side up. Without gravity, there is nothing to keep you in bed.
A student also asked if she could see the dark side of the moon. Koch clarified it's called the far side of the moon. It never faces Earth, but the sun lights it up just as much as the side that faces us. She described it as beautiful.
What's Next for an Astronaut?
When asked what's next after achieving so many goals, Koch admitted she hasn't quite figured it out.
For now, she plans to restore her family’s sailboat. This was a hobby she enjoyed with her father while growing up in Jacksonville. She called it one of the most exciting things she's taken on recently. She also emphasized the importance of getting back to family and trying things that scare you.
Koch hopes the students will use their unique talents to help their communities. She believes people can make things happen when they support each other.
