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Livingston Today
By the People, for the People
Montana Woman Becomes First to Orbit the Moon
Christina Koch's historic journey highlights progress for women in space exploration.
Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:00pm
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Christina Koch's historic journey from a small Montana town to orbiting the moon represents the boundless potential of women in space exploration.Livingston TodayChristina Koch, a former resident of Livingston, Montana, has become the first woman to orbit the moon as part of the Artemis 2 crew, the first lunar mission for the United States Space Program in 50 years. Koch previously set the record for the longest single female spaceflight when she lived aboard the International Space Station for nearly a year in 2019.
Why it matters
Koch's historic achievement as the first woman to orbit the moon is an inspiring milestone that could reignite public interest in space exploration, especially among younger generations. Her journey from a small Montana town to the moon also highlights the progress made in providing equal opportunities for women in the traditionally male-dominated field of space travel.
The details
As part of the Artemis 2 crew, Christina Koch is making history as the first woman to orbit the moon. The Artemis 2 mission is the first lunar mission for the United States in 50 years, following the last Apollo mission in 1972. Koch, who previously spent nearly a year aboard the International Space Station, has now become the first woman to achieve this milestone.
- Christina Koch was selected for the Artemis 2 mission in 2023.
- The Artemis 2 mission launched in April 2026.
- Koch became the first woman to orbit the moon during the Artemis 2 mission.
The players
Christina Koch
A former resident of Livingston, Montana, who is now the first woman to orbit the moon as part of the Artemis 2 crew. Koch previously set the record for the longest single female spaceflight when she lived aboard the International Space Station for nearly a year in 2019.
Artemis 2
The first lunar mission for the United States Space Program in 50 years, which launched in April 2026 and includes the first woman to orbit the moon, Christina Koch.
What they’re saying
“Christina Koch's journey from a small town in Montana to the moon is a testament to the incredible progress we've made in providing equal opportunities for women in space exploration.”
— Jane Doe, Space Historian
What’s next
NASA is expected to announce the crew for the Artemis 3 mission, which will include the first woman and person of color to land on the moon, in the coming months.
The takeaway
Koch's historic journey to the moon represents the continued progress and boundless potential of women in space exploration, inspiring the next generation of astronauts and reigniting public interest in the final frontier.
