April 24, 2017: U.S. astronaut Peggy Whitson on Monday broke the record for most accumulated time spent in orbit by an American.

Commander Whitson, who is aboard the International Space Station, was congratulated by U.S. President Donald Trump, who spoke to space station astronauts via video.

"Five-hundred thirty-four days and counting. That's an incredible record to break," Trump said from the Oval Office. "On behalf of our nation, and frankly on behalf of the world, I'd like to congratulate you."

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The 57-year-old Whitson is the most experienced U.S. spacewoman. She is scheduled to return to earth in September, at which time she will have spent 666 days in space over the course of three flights.

"It's actually a huge honor to break a record like this," Whitson told Trump.

Whitson also explained to Trump how technology in the space station allows astronauts to convert their urine to drinking water. "It's really not as bad as it sounds," she said. (VOA)