. >> reporter: the record, the longest time of in space by an american belongs toingy whitson, called astronaut who got a call from the white house. >> 534 days and counting, that is really something. >> well it is actually a huge honor to break a record like this. >> reporter: dr. whitson has been breaking barriers since she began at nasa. first woman to command the space station. eight space walks, most by she grew up on an iowa farm, watching moon landing at age 9. a dream was born. nasa ground crews amazed at her ability to get work inside and outside the station. >> have dubbed it the peggy factor. >> we have to continue to take the next steps in order for us in the future in exploration going to mars. >> are we going to mars? are we going to go? >> i absolutely believe we will. sooner the better i think. >> reporter: a goal closer to reality because of her record. >> this is a very special day in the glorious history of american space flight. >> david kerley, abc news, washington. >> to our own high flying lady who has returned. >> i was on a vacation from you. i really needed.