Nasa space mission: Who is Anil Menon? Indian-origin astronaut set for his first mission to ISS in June 2026

Indian-origin astronaut Anil Menon is all set for his first space mission to International Space Station in June, 2026, Nasa stated in an announcement.“Nasa astronaut Anil Menon will embark on his first mission to the International Space Station, serving as a flight engineer and Expedition 75 crew member,” it stated.“Menon will launch aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft in June 2026, accompanied by Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina. After launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the trio will spend approximately eight months aboard the orbiting laboratory,” it added.During his mission, Menon will perform scientific analysis and check new applied sciences geared toward advancing human space exploration and contributing to the well-being of humanity.

Who is Anil Menon?

Menon grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of immigrants from Ukraine and India. A licensed flight teacher, Menon has gathered greater than 1,000 hours of flight time and enjoys educating normal aviation.Menon accomplished his early schooling at Saint Paul Academy and Summit School in Saint Paul, Minnesota, graduating in 1995. He earned a bachelor’s diploma in neurobiology from Harvard University in 1999, adopted by a grasp’s diploma in mechanical engineering from Stanford University in 2004. He went on to obtain his medical diploma from Stanford Medical School in 2006 and accomplished his residency in emergency medication at Stanford in 2009, together with a fellowship in wilderness medication in 2010. Continuing his specialised coaching, Menon accomplished a residency in aerospace medication on the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston in 2012, the place he additionally earned a grasp’s diploma in public well being that very same yr. He at the moment holds board certifications in each aerospace medication and emergency medication.Menon started working as a Nasa flight surgeon in 2014. In this position, he offered medical assist for 4 long-duration astronauts aboard the International Space Station, serving as deputy crew surgeon for Soyuz 39 and Soyuz 43 missions, and because the main crew surgeon for Soyuz 52. Within the human well being and efficiency directorate, he additionally led efforts on the well being upkeep system and helped develop the direct return plane. His duties took him to Star City, Russia, the place he lived and labored for over six months, the space company’s web site stated.