A woman who grew up in eastern North Carolina is preparing to make history as part of NASA’s next mission beyond Earth’s orbit.
Christina Koch, a Jacksonville native, is set to serve as a mission specialist aboard Artemis II — a mission that will send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years. She is expected to become the first woman to travel that far into deep space.
Koch’s journey began at White Oak High School in Onslow County before she went on to attend NC State University, where she earned degrees in physics and engineering.
Jacksonville native Christina Koch set to make history on Artemis II mission
“People say, what is it about your background? What did you bring with you from eastern North Carolina?” Koch said. “The fact that this place taught me that every single person has a contribution and is 100% part of the team.”
Before being selected for Artemis II, Koch spent nearly a year aboard the International Space Station in 2019 and participated in the first all-female spacewalk.
Artemis II will be NASA’s first crewed mission under the Artemis program, following the uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022. The mission will test systems aboard the Orion spacecraft, including life support, navigation and communications, as NASA prepares for future Moon landings and eventual missions to Mars.
The spacecraft will launch aboard the Space Launch System rocket from Kennedy Space Center, travel nearly a quarter-million miles to orbit the Moon, and return to Earth.
Jacksonville native Christina Koch set to make history on Artemis II mission
Koch’s former cheerleading coach at White Oak High School, Tanya Larose, once described her as determined and motivated.
Former NC State advisor Dr. Stephen Reynolds said Koch brings both technical skill and the ability to inspire others.
“She’s one of the most highly trained individuals but she is also great at connecting with people,” Reynolds said.
Jacksonville native Christina Koch set to make history on Artemis II mission
For students in Jacksonville, Koch’s accomplishments serve as a reminder of what is possible.
Her path from eastern North Carolina classrooms to deep space reflects the broader goals of the Artemis program — not only advancing space exploration, but inspiring the next generation.
As Artemis II prepares for launch, Koch’s journey is expected to mark another milestone in space exploration and representation, while highlighting her roots in eastern North Carolina.