Latest news with #Expedition75
NDTV
a day ago
- Health
- NDTV
Anil Menon: NASA Astronaut To Fly To ISS On First Space Mission In 2026
Indian-origin astronaut Anil Menon has been assigned his first space mission by NASA. Mr Menon will serve as a flight engineer aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Expedition 75. The mission is scheduled for launch in June 2026 aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft, alongside Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina. The crew will lift off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and is expected to spend approximately eight months aboard the ISS. During the expedition, Anil Menon will support critical scientific research and technology demonstrations designed to advance long-duration human spaceflight and benefit life on Earth. Who Is Anil Menon? Anil Menon was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Indian and Ukrainian immigrant parents. He graduated from Saint Paul Academy and Summit School in 1995. He earned a bachelor's degree in neurobiology from Harvard University in 1999. At Harvard, he conducted research on Huntington's disease and later spent a year in India as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar supporting polio vaccination efforts. Anil Menon earned engineering and medical degrees from Stanford, followed by residencies in emergency and aerospace medicine, and a Master's in Public Health from University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in 2012. During his training, Mr Menon joined the California Air National Guard, supported remote wilderness races and served as a first responder in major disasters including the Haiti and Nepal earthquakes. As part of Operation Enduring Freedom, he deployed to Afghanistan to provide emergency medical care. He was later transferred to the 173rd Fighter Wing, logging over 100 sorties in F-15s and transporting over 100 patients with the US Air Force's critical care air transport team. He joined NASA as a flight surgeon in 2014. In 2018, Anil Menon became SpaceX's first flight surgeon and helped launch the first crewed Dragon spacecraft during the Demo-2 mission. He was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2021 and reported for duty in January 2022. He completed two years of astronaut training and graduated with NASA's 23rd astronaut class in 2024. Anil Menon continues to practice emergency medicine at Memorial Hermann's Texas Medical Center and teaches at the University of Texas. He is married to Anna Menon, a SpaceX employee, and they have two children. Anil Menon has received numerous awards, including the US Air Force Commendation Medal, NASA and SpaceX team awards, and multiple honours for academic and medical excellence.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Science
- Indian Express
After Shubhanshu Shukla, NASA's Anil Menon gears up for Expedition-75
As ISRO's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla continues his Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), NASA astronaut Anil Menon is preparing for his first mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Menon will serve as a flight engineer and Expedition 75 crew member aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft, scheduled to lift off in June 2026. He will be joined by Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina for an eight-month stint aboard the ISS adding to the growing Indian footprint in space. The trio will launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Once aboard the station, Menon will conduct a range of scientific investigations and technology demonstrations. Selected by NASA in 2021, Menon graduated with NASA's 23rd astronaut class in 2024. Born and raised in Minneapolis, he brings an impressive mix of skills to the table. He's an emergency medicine physician, mechanical engineer, and colonel in the U.S. Space Force. NASA Astro Class 23 The fly shape represents our class, 'the flies'. Twelve stars represent the candidates of class 23 and the UAE and US flags are both displayed. And of course the astronaut pose represents our faith in NASA's return to the moon while keeping an eye on Mars! — Anil Menon (@astro_anil) October 28, 2022 Menon also holds a bachelor's degree in neurobiology from Harvard University, a master's in mechanical engineering, and a medical degree from Stanford. He completed residencies in emergency and aerospace medicine at Stanford and the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. It was worth the wait !!! — Anil Menon (@astro_anil) September 15, 2024 Outside of spaceflights and experiments, Menon still practices emergency medicine at Memorial Hermann's Texas Medical Center and teaches at the University of Texas residency program. Before joining NASA, he was SpaceX's first flight surgeon, supporting the historic NASA-SpaceX Demo-2 mission. He also served as crew flight surgeon for multiple ISS missions. It is the 75th long-duration mission to the ISS, which is currently scheduled to launch in June 2026. The primary purpose of the ISS is to enable long-term exploration of space and provide benefits to people on Earth. Expedition 75 will likely contribute to this by conducting various scientific experiments and research projects.
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First Post
2 days ago
- Science
- First Post
Anil Menon will be next Indian-American to go to space. Who is he?
Anil Menon, who was selected as a Nasa astronaut in 2021, is set to make his first spaceflight in June 2026. He will serve as a flight engineer with the Expedition 75 crew. Born to Indian and Ukrainian immigrant parents, Menon was raised in Minneapolis. His wife, Anna Menon, also worked at Nasa before joining SpaceX, and took part in a private spacewalk mission last year read more He is set to make his first journey into space in June next year. Image: Nasa Nasa has picked Indian-American astronaut Anil Menon for a space mission scheduled for 2026. He is set to make his first journey into space in June that year. Menon will be part of the Expedition 75 crew and will serve as a flight engineer during the mission. ALSO READ | Who is Jahnavi Dangeti, the Andhra woman likely to go to space in 2029? Interestingly, his wife Anna Menon also worked at Nasa, later joined SpaceX and took part in a private spacewalk mission last year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But who is Anil Menon? And what do we know about his upcoming mission? Here's a look: Who is Anil Menon? Chosen as a Nasa astronaut in 2021, he will head to space for the first time in June 2026. He will join the Expedition 75 crew as a flight engineer. Nasa has announced that Menon will travel to the International Space Station next year aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft. He will fly alongside Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina. While on board, Menon will carry out science experiments and test new technology. The aim is to support future human missions to space and bring benefits back to Earth. He was part of Nasa's 23rd astronaut class in 2021 and finished his astronaut training in 2024. Since then, he has been preparing for this mission. He was chosen as a Nasa astronaut in 2021. Image: AFP/File Photo Menon grew up in Minneapolis. He is a trained emergency medicine doctor, a mechanical engineer, and a colonel in the United States Space Force. He was born to Ukrainian and Indian immigrant parents. He also spent a year studying at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. He holds a degree in neurobiology from Harvard University, along with a master's in mechanical engineering and a medical degree from Stanford University. Menon completed his training in emergency and aerospace medicine at Stanford and the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Before joining Nasa, he worked at SpaceX as their first flight surgeon. He helped send the first crewed Dragon spacecraft into orbit during Nasa's SpaceX Demo-2 mission. He also helped set up SpaceX's medical programme to support future missions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He has worked as a flight surgeon for several SpaceX launches and Nasa missions to the space station. It was worth the wait !!! — Anil Menon (@astro_anil) September 15, 2024 Who is Anna Menon, astronaut and Anil Menon's wife? Anil Menon is married to Anna Menon, who also works at SpaceX. The couple has two children. Anna earlier worked at Nasa before moving to SpaceX. Last year, she took part in a private spacewalk mission. She has played key roles as a mission controller in several missions. Image: X/@annawmenon She is currently a lead space operations engineer at Elon Musk's company. Anna has also written a children's book about space titled Kisses from Space. She has played key roles as a mission controller in several missions, including Demo-2, Crew-1, CRS-22, and CRS-23. Before joining SpaceX, Anna spent seven years at Nasa, where she worked as a biomedical flight controller for the International Space Station. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ | What will Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla do in space? Sunita Williams and Shubhanshu Shukla's space journeys Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams, who was part of the Crew-9 team, went on an eight-day mission to the International Space Station last year. She returned to Earth in March this year after being stranded in space for over nine months due to issues with the Boeing spacecraft, which delayed her return. Born on September 19, 1965, in Ohio, Williams is a former US Navy captain. Her father, Deepak Pandya, is from Jhulasan in Gujarat's Mehsana district, while her mother, Ursuline Bonnie Pandya, is Slovenian. Williams has proudly embraced her roots during space missions, carrying items such as samosas, a Ganesha idol, and the Slovenian flag. This was her third mission to space. With this trip, she has now spent a total of 608 days in orbit. Meanwhile, Shubhanshu Shukla has become the first Indian to visit the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. Shubhanshu Shukla was named the 'Prime' astronaut for the Indo-US mission to the International Space Station in August last year. Image: Axiom Space He travelled aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, which lifted off from Nasa's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida last month. Among the personal items he carried with him were specially prepared Indian foods: mango nectar, gajar ka halwa, and moong dal halwa. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Notably, Shukla is the first Indian in 41 years to travel to space, after Rakesh Sharma's historic eight-day space journey in 1984. With inputs from agencies
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
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 said in a statement. "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 said. "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 carry out scientific research and test new technologies aimed at advancing human space exploration and contributing to the well-being of humanity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Who is Anil Menon? Menon grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of immigrants from Ukraine and India. A certified flight instructor, Menon has accumulated more than 1,000 hours of flight time and enjoys teaching general aviation. Menon completed his early education at Saint Paul Academy and Summit School in Saint Paul, Minnesota, graduating in 1995. He earned a bachelor's degree in neurobiology from Harvard University in 1999, followed by a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University in 2004. He went on to receive his medical degree from Stanford Medical School in 2006 and completed his residency in emergency medicine at Stanford in 2009, along with a fellowship in wilderness medicine in 2010. Continuing his specialized training, Menon completed a residency in aerospace medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston in 2012, where he also earned a master's degree in public health that same year. He currently holds board certifications in both aerospace medicine and emergency medicine. Menon began working as a Nasa flight surgeon in 2014. In this role, he provided medical support for four long-duration astronauts aboard the International Space Station, serving as deputy crew surgeon for Soyuz 39 and Soyuz 43 missions, and as the primary crew surgeon for Soyuz 52. Within the human health and performance directorate, he also led efforts on the health maintenance system and helped develop the direct return aircraft. His duties took him to Star City, Russia, where he lived and worked for over six months, the space agency's website said.
India Today
2 days ago
- Science
- India Today
Meet Anil Menon, the next Indian-American set to go to space after Sunita Williams
As Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla works and lives aboard the International Space Station, Nasa has selected astronaut Anil Menon for a space mission in astronaut Anil Menon is set to become the next Indian-American to venture into space after Sunita to launch in June 2026, Menon will embark on his first mission to the International Space Station (ISS), serving as a flight engineer and Expedition 75 crew Menon will launch aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. He will be accompanied by Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina. Nasa astronaut Anil Menon will embark on his first mission to the International Space Station. (Photo: Nasa) The trio is expected to spend approximately eight months aboard the ISS, conducting scientific investigations and technology demonstrations. These experiments aim to advance human space exploration and generate benefits for life on Earth.A Remarkable Journey to NasaSelected as part of Nasa's 23rd astronaut class in 2021, Menon graduated as an astronaut in 2024. Since then, he has been preparing intensively for his first diverse background uniquely qualifies him for this role: Menon is an emergency medicine physician, mechanical engineer, and colonel in the United States Space and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Ukrainian and Indian immigrant parents, Menon's academic credentials are was worth the wait !!! Anil Menon (@astro_anil) September 15, 2024He holds a bachelor's degree in neurobiology from Harvard University, a master's degree in mechanical engineering, and a medical degree from Stanford completed residencies in emergency medicine and aerospace medicine and holds board certifications in both and Personal LifeMenon has an extensive career in medicine and aerospace. He was SpaceX's first flight surgeon, playing a critical role in launching the company's first crewed Dragon spacecraft on Nasa's Demo-2 also helped build SpaceX's medical support infrastructure for future human spaceflight. Despite his demanding career, Menon continues to practice emergency medicine at Memorial Hermann's Texas Medical Center and teaches residents at the University of of his professional life, Menon is a certified flight instructor with over 1,000 flying hours and enjoys endurance races like Ironman and Kokoro. He is married to Anna Menon, who also works at SpaceX, and they have two Nasa journey began in 2014 as a flight surgeon supporting ISS crews and Soyuz missions. He has lived and worked in Star City, Russia, gaining invaluable experience in international space research and clinical work have contributed over 20 scientific publications in emergency and space he prepares for his historic mission, Anil Menon stands as a shining example of dedication, expertise, and multicultural heritage, inspiring future generations of Indian-Americans and space enthusiasts worldwide.- Ends
