USA cyclist turned NASA astronaut

Christina Birch Cyclist | Christina Birch On Becoming an Astronaut

Former professional cyclist turned NASA astronaut, Christina Birch, has embarked on a remarkable journey from the velodrome to the stars. With a passion for space and an extensive scientific background, Birch has transitioned into a career that’s truly out of this world.

Birch, whose favorite movie is the space epic “Interstellar,” recently joined NASA’s astronaut class of 2021 after a successful cycling career. Hailing from Arizona, Birch holds degrees in mathematics, biochemistry, molecular biophysics, and a doctorate in biological engineering.

Cyclist Christina Birch Becomes an Astronaut | NASA 2021 Astronaut Class

Her journey to NASA involved rigorous training, including space walks, flying T-38 training jets, and mastering the operation of the International Space Station’s robotic arm. She’s also become proficient in Russian, necessary for operating the Soyuz spacecraft.

Birch’s interest in spaceflight grew steadily during her application process. “I really just had a blast,” she says. “It didn’t feel like an interview at all, it didn’t feel like a test. It was just super fun.”

Since joining NASA, Birch has embraced the challenges of astronaut training, even as she transitioned from the world of professional cycling. She sees similarities between both disciplines in their pursuit of pushing boundaries and testing limits.

Despite leaving cycling behind, Birch remains focused on physical challenges, completing endurance events like the Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike race and the Houston Marathon. She’s now eyeing an attempt to break the women’s time record for cycling across Montana.

Her training in endurance sports complements her astronaut training, helping her develop mental toughness and critical decision-making skills. Birch sees cycling as an avenue for practicing these skills in a cost-effective way.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on X: "NASA selects three MIT alumni for astronaut training: Marcos Berríos '06, Christina Birch PhD '15, and Christopher Williams PhD '12 make up a third of

Now, Birch is focused on supporting upcoming missions like Artemis II, scheduled for September 2025, which aims to send astronauts on a journey to fly by the moon. While there’s no clear timeline for her own spaceflight, Birch remains prepared for the opportunity.

“I’m going to prepare for that the same way I would prepare for a race,” says Birch. “Show up every day and give 100% to the team. If the timing works out, then that’s great. But I’ll be ready.”