Governor Roy Cooper presented the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine to Christina Koch, a native of Jacksonville and an alumna of N.C. State. This esteemed award is the highest form of recognition bestowed by the state of North Carolina.
“Astronaut Koch’s voyage from North Carolina public schools to outer space serves as a source of inspiration for all of us, highlighting the incredible opportunities that arise from receiving a public education in our state,” expressed Governor Cooper. “By investing in our public schools, we are simultaneously investing in the future of our state and the entire planet.”
Cooper recognized Koch for her notable achievements and lauded the STEM education programs and robust public school system in North Carolina. The governor was accompanied by Congresswoman Deborah Ross, along with various elected officials, educators, scientists, and a third-grade class from The Exploris School, which is a downtown Raleigh public charter school.
Koch expressed her enthusiasm as she witnessed the planting of an Artemis Moon Tree at the Governor’s mansion in North Carolina. She emphasized the significance of this event, stating that it symbolizes the establishment of a strong foundation for exploration that will benefit future generations. Koch also highlighted the privilege of sharing the excitement of space with students and aspiring explorers in her home state. She firmly believes that these students, who will be part of the Artemis generation, hold the key to accomplishing remarkable feats both in space and on Earth in the years to come.
Congresswoman Deborah Ross expressed her honor in joining Governor Cooper to welcome Astronaut Christina Koch back home to North Carolina. She acknowledged Christina as the only woman chosen for the Artemis II Mission and recognized her significant contributions to space exploration. Deborah emphasized that Christina’s achievements are paving the way for important discoveries in space and breaking down barriers for women and girls aspiring to pursue a career in this field. She also assured her commitment to working with fellow members of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee to secure substantial federal funding for NASA, enabling the realization of more groundbreaking missions like this one.
During the event, the Governor received a special gift in the form of a Loblolly Pine sapling, which is a native plant of North Carolina. This sapling was grown from seeds that had the incredible opportunity to travel to space on the Artemis I mission. In a symbolic gesture, the sapling will be planted on the grounds of the Executive Mansion, serving as a reminder of the state’s connection to space exploration.
In addition to the sapling, the Governor was presented with a North Carolina flag that had the honor of being flown in space during Expeditions 59, 60, and 61 to the International Space Station. This flag carries the pride and significance of North Carolina’s contributions to space exploration and serves as a testament to the state’s commitment to scientific advancement.
Koch took the opportunity to share her remarkable journey, starting from her time in North Carolina public schools to her thrilling adventures in the vast expanse of space.
Koch’s upbringing took place in Jacksonville, where she attended the North Carolina School of Science and Math in Durham and White Oak High School. Later on, she pursued her education at North Carolina State University, earning Bachelor of Science degrees in electrical engineering and physics, alongside a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering. Additionally, she was also bestowed with an Honorary PhD.
In 2013, Koch was chosen by NASA to be an astronaut. She had the opportunity to serve as a flight engineer on the International Space Station for three expeditions.
She is set to make a comeback to space as NASA’s Artemis II Mission Specialist I. Scheduled for launch in September 2025, Artemis II will mark the first human mission to venture into deep space in over half a century.
