Interview With Astronaut Christina Koch

Going to space is a dream for a lot of people, but what does it really take to make it happen? To find out, Teen Vogue went right to the source: astronaut Christina Hammock Koch, an accomplished scientist, graduate of the 2013 Astronaut Class, and an all-around badass. We talked with Christina about the ins and outs of training for space, what it's like to work for NASA, whether gender makes a difference on board the space station, and what she's most looking forward to about life outside of planet Earth.

Christina, who graduated to become an astronaut in 2015, was one of eight candidates chosen from a pool of more than 6,000 — but even qualifying to train as an astronaut is no cakewalk. The application requirements include a bachelor's degree in a STEM field, the right kind of post-graduate experience, and demanding physical requirements.

So, as you might expect, the resume of 38-year-old Christina is nothing short of epic. She holds bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering and physics and a master's in electrical engineering. She's also done extensive work with NASA, working at the Goddard Space Flight Center’s Laboratory for High Energy Astrophysics and on the Juno and the Van Allen Probes. In addition, her fieldwork has led her to Alaska, Greenland and Antarctica.

She’s been involved with the International Space Station's Crew Operations Branch handling IT issues for the ISS and interfacing with crew conferences. Her out-of- this-world Instagram account highlights her continued training, anything from piloting planes to getting her science on around the globe.

Here's what down-to-Earth, ready-for-space Christina had to say about her journey so far and what she expects from her adventures to come, and what advice she has for future space explorers.

Teen Vogue: When did you know when you wanted to become an astronaut?

Christina Koch: I'm actually not sure, because I don't even remember a time when I didn't want to be an astronaut. I've always been into things like exploring and science on the frontiers. I had pictures of space up in my room way back in middle school, right next to the boy band posters!

TV: Who was the first person you told when you found out that you’d been selected as an Astronaut Candidate?

CK: It's crazy because before the official announcement was made, NASA asked us to only tell one person. So, for two weeks I had to keep the news almost all to myself. The one person I told was my boyfriend at the time, who is now my husband! I'll never forget the look on his face when I broke the news. I've never seen him look so happy or surprised since.

TV: Who inspired you along your journey to become a NASA Astronaut?

CK: Outside of my family, I was always inspired by true heroic stories of leadership and survival. For example, the story of the Shackleton expedition, when their ship became lodged in the Antarctic ice pack while exploring. Also, the stories of the student activists of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, and everything they endured and accomplished fighting for equality.

TV: What was your favorite part of astronaut training?

CK: My favorite was spacewalk training. You get to wear a full spacesuit just like the ones they use in orbit. Working with a big team, we go through the entire choreography of a flight-like spacewalk while underwater in a giant pool that has a full mockup of the outside of the International Space Station! It is very physically demanding as well, so I loved the challenge of having to get super in-shape just to be ready to focus on learning the tools and skills needed for the spacewalk tasks.

TV: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve learned in space training?

CK: While you're in space, you grow in height! Without the constant force of gravity on your spine, it stretches out, and you're actually taller when you land. It doesn't last long though. But maybe I'll finally be taller than my little sister — even if it's only for a short while!

TV: Are you close to your seven other classmates?

CK: Absolutely. They are all my Astro brothers and sisters, and we always have each other's backs. We are like family, which is important because we may one day be crew members in space, where that trust and confidence is so important.

TV: What’s been your greatest challenge so far?

CK: Learning how to fly the high-performance aircrafts that we use to keep our spaceflight readiness skills up. All astronauts, even civilians like me without pilot experience, have to learn how to co-pilot a jet called a T-38. That was hard enough in itself! Then, recently, I got to train to be an aircraft commander of another military high-performance plane called a T-6. It took every bit of grit and dedication to get through that course. Along with the challenge of learning skills like this is the every-day challenge of adapting to the wide range of new circumstances you encounter in this job.

TV: When you go to space, what personal items do you plan to pack with you?

CK: I have been far away from family and friends in other places like Antarctica for long periods of time, and I've found that the things I'm most glad to have are tangible items that provide warm memories of loved ones. A hand-written card from my Mom, my husband's favorite t-shirt, an inside joke gift from my sister… I hope to ask my friends and family to all give me one small personal memento. And, can't lie, I’ll probably pack a bit of dark chocolate, too.

TV: Do you think you’ll use Instagram and other social media in space?

CK: As long as I have enough time to do so between all the science, maintenance, training and other operations I'll be doing, then yes. I think it's a great way to spread the word about the awesome stuff NASA is doing and how it benefits and inspires everyone.

TV: Your class was half female, and the new class has pretty solid numbers. Do you think there is something about space exploration that helps bring about equality faster?

CK: Yes. I saw the same thing in my time in the Antarctic program. When you're doing something where getting the job done is paramount, it naturally selects the people that are best at that job. When pure performance is the criteria, I've noticed women naturally excel.

TV: How will you deal with your period in space?

CK: Women have a lot of different options for this. You can utilize standard medications to make your period not come while you’re in space, or you can have your period naturally. If you choose to have it, then just like on Earth, it means a couple extra steps of “life maintenance” around that time. The great thing is that all the women astronauts meet openly with our doctors and each other about this topic so everyone has all the info and can make the right decision for herself.

TV: How do you plan to address space nerves and jitters, like being away from society for a long mission?

CK: I don’t feel nervous about that aspect, but I think it is natural to have some jitters about being strapped to a rocket. I usually face jitters with heightened focus and reliance on my training and team.

TV: What will you eat in space? Are you looking forward to any particular space meal?

CK: There’s a team of people that provide really good space food, including everything from freeze-dried, rehydratable dishes to MRE-style dishes. We’ve gotten to try a lot of it and it’s really good. I am looking forward to trying some of the Japanese space food too! Plus, you can choose some of your own favorite foods as long as they won’t go bad, so I’m looking forward to letting my husband surprise me by picking out some of my faves from the store. I wish I could say I’ll be eating astronaut ice cream, but that’s actually not something that’s on NASA’s standard menu!

TV: What are some of your favorite hobbies, and will you be able to do them in space?

CK: I enjoy both outdoorsy things like hiking, rock climbing and paddling, as well as artsy things like photography, videography, and sewing. So, I’m looking forward to spending time in space on the more artsy stuff that I can bring with me. I can’t wait to take photos of astronaut life, as well as of the Earth from space. Another thing I love to do is keep in touch with all the great friends I have met during my work and travels around the world, so I hope to have time to stay caught up with friends through email.

TV: What was your favorite thing about your role working on the International Space Station Crew Operations Branch?

CK: My favorite thing was getting to work every day with the mission control team that makes things run smoothly onboard the International Space Station. There are six Astronauts and Cosmonauts on the space station at almost all times. It was our job to use their time wisely to get as much science done as possible, all while keeping them safe and sharing the news about the incredible work they’re doing.

TV: If you could bring three people (non-astronauts) to space with you, who would you bring?

CK: My husband and my parents. My parents gave me everything I needed to chase my dreams. And my husband is my best friend.

TV: If you weren’t an astronaut, what other profession would you be interested in?

CK: I love building and fixing things, and so I always gravitated toward engineering or science instrumentation work. It’s a bonus if I get to do that work in an interesting place like in the Antarctic or a remote island. I also love community service, tutoring or anything that spreads the love of science or reading. One day I hope to open an adult literacy program wherever I live.

TV: There’s been a lot of talk about going to Mars, what excites you most about a Mars mission?

CK: For me, two things stand out. One is the sense of all humanity accomplishing something so huge and the hope that it can bring a sense of community on a world scale. The other would be searching for life on another planet. I think that is the one scientific question that has the deepest roots for shaping how we see ourselves in the universe.

TV: Any advice for what young people can do if they share your dream to be an astronaut?

CK: Obviously, studying whatever science, math, or engineering you find most exciting is a good start. From there, it's all about heading down the road of finding and engaging in unique experiences that you're passionate about. This will broaden your perspectives and start your learning about leadership, communication, challenges, and being successful pursuing your dreams in a wide variety of situations.

Related: "Hidden Figures" Subject Katherine Johnson Just Got Her Own NASA Center