Channel 9 speaks with record-breaking NC astronaut set to return to Earth

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — 328 days -- A stellar achievement for North Carolina’s own astronaut Christina Koch.

ALSO READ: NC astronaut Christina Koch reflects on historic all-female spacewalk

Koch has spent nearly a year in space, breaking barriers and breaking records. The North Carolina State graduate’s research will be part of future missions to the moon and Mars and she has had an incredible window on the world with some amazing images.

.@Astro_Christina and two crewmates prepare to return to Earth Thursday as a new #Cygnus cargo craft from @NorthropGrumman preps for a Sunday launch. Read more... https://t.co/zJdiBwwMXO pic.twitter.com/PNP0yAUurd
— Intl. Space Station (@Space_Station) February 3, 2020

But for now, she is looking forward to being back on Earth and seeing friends and family in her home state of North Carolina.

“I have definitely pictured that moment a few times and I think there’s going to be a lot of things that sort of hit me all at once,” Koch said.

Christina Koch is preparing to return to Earth Thursday, but first in the video above, she spoke to Eyewitness News anchor Blaine Tolison from the International Space Station.

Channel 9 speaks with orbiting NC astronaut ahead of record-breaking milestone Channel 9 speaks with orbiting NC astronaut ahead of record-breaking milestone

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