Montana Woman Becomes First to Orbit the Moon

Christina Koch's journey from Livingston to the moon is a reminder of how far we've come—and how far we still want to go.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:00am

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A bold, abstract painting in the style of Hilma af Klint, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals in earthy tones, conceptually representing the complex forces and structures of space travel and the moon's orbit.Christina Koch's historic journey to become the first woman to orbit the moon represents the continued progress and boundless potential of space exploration.Livingston Today

Christina 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 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 a significant milestone for space exploration and a source of inspiration, especially for young people who may now dream of following in her footsteps. Her journey also highlights the progress made in the space program and the growing opportunities for women in STEM fields.

The details

As part of the Artemis 2 crew, Christina Koch will become the first woman to orbit the moon. This mission marks the first time the United States has sent astronauts to the moon since the Apollo program ended in the 1970s. Koch, who previously spent nearly a year aboard the International Space Station, is the first woman to hold the record for the longest single spaceflight.

  • In 2019, Christina Koch set the record for the longest single female spaceflight when she lived aboard the International Space Station for almost a year.
  • The Artemis 2 mission, which will include Christina Koch as the first woman to orbit the moon, is scheduled to launch in 2026.

The players

Christina Koch

A former resident of Livingston, Montana, who has become the first woman to orbit the moon as part of the Artemis 2 crew. She 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 in 50 years, which will include Christina Koch as the first woman to orbit the moon.

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What they’re saying

“Christina Koch's journey from Livingston to the moon is a reminder of how far we've come—and how far we still want to go.”

— Derek Wolf, Author

What’s next

The Artemis 2 mission, which will include Christina Koch as the first woman to orbit the moon, is scheduled to launch in 2026.

The takeaway

Christina Koch's historic achievement as the first woman to orbit the moon is a significant milestone for space exploration and a source of inspiration, especially for young people who may now dream of following in her footsteps. Her journey highlights the progress made in the space program and the growing opportunities for women in STEM fields.