On October 10, 2007, Whitson became the first woman to command the ISS with Expedition 16.
On October 10, 2007, Peggy Whitson launched aboard Soyuz TMA-11, marking the beginning of her term as the first female commander of the International Space Station during Expedition 16. This achievement not only highlighted her as an exceptional leader amongst her peers but also symbolized a pivotal moment for gender equality in space exploration, breaking barriers in a previously male-dominated field. Her leadership on the ISS emphasized her capabilities in coordinating complex scientific missions and managing international crew operations, setting an example for future astronauts.