'It's an exciting time to be part of space exploration': Peggy Whitson

As commander of Axiom-4 Mission (Ax-4), veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson is no stranger to firsts. She’s spent more days in space than any other American or woman—675 in total—and now, she’s leading the most research-intensive private space mission to the International Space Station (ISS) yet. But this mission carries a special significance for India too: it includes Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of four astronaut-designates for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, as the pilot of the mission. In this exclusive interview to TOI, Whitson talks about adapting to life in orbit, the rise of commercial spaceflight, and why diversity and resilience will shape the future of space exploration.Excerpts: You’ve seen spaceflight evolve dramatically. How different is the landscape now?It’s changed a lot. When I started, spaceflight was almost entirely government-led. Now, companies like Axiom Space are transforming how we explore space. They’re not only accelerating innovation but also opening doors for more people and more science. We’re seeing a diverse range of crewmembers, new research angles, and fresh collaborations that weren’t possible before. Private missions have added a new dynamism—bringing in speed, flexibility, and global participation. It’s an exciting time to be involved in space exploration.How do you maintain physical & mental health during extended space missions?Staying healthy in space is a top priority. We follow a strict exercise routine to counteract the effects of microgravity—things like muscle loss and bone density reduction. Nutrition is key, too. Mentally, staying sharp means staying connected with loved ones and keeping ourselves intellectually engaged. Whether it's science, reading, or crew activities, it’s about finding ways to stay focused and fulfilled. The ground team’s support and the camaraderie with fellow astronauts play a huge role. Teamwork and resilience are essential up here.You’ve conducted many spacewalks. What’s one challenge that truly caught you off guard?During one spacewalk, we unexpectedly lost a thermal and micrometeoroid shield. Despite meticulous planning, space has its surprises. The shield drifted away, and we had to rely on the ground team’s rapid thinking to come up with a workaround. It really underscored the unpredictability of working in space—and the importance of trust, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure.You’ve broken barriers throughout your career. What your advice to aspiring astronauts, especially women?Don’t let obstacles hold you back. Space exploration demands resilience, curiosity, and a deep commitment to learning. Embrace challenges—they’re chances to grow. Find mentors, build your support network, and never stop asking questions. Your unique perspective is a strength. Believe in your ability to contribute meaningfully. If space is your dream, chase it with everything you've got.What makes the Axiom-4 mission stand out?Ax-4 is setting a new benchmark. We're conducting more research studies than any private ISS mission before. It’s not just about science—it’s about international collaboration. This mission includes astronauts from multiple countries, all contributing to low-Earth orbit research. It’s laying the foundation for future operations aboard Axiom Station, our next big leap. And for countries like India, which have bold space ambitions, missions like this demonstrate how commercial partnerships can help achieve those goals faster.