Indian-American Astronaut Anil Menon Prepares for First ISS Mission in 2026

Anil Menon, an astronaut of Indian origin, is preparing for his first space mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2026, according to a recent statement from NASA.

"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," the statement read.

Menon will launch aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft in June 2026 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. He will be accompanied by Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina. The trio is scheduled to spend approximately eight months aboard the orbiting laboratory.

During his mission, Menon will be actively involved in conducting scientific research and rigorously testing new technologies. These endeavors are aimed at significantly advancing human space exploration and making valuable contributions to the overall well-being of humanity.

Who is Anil Menon?

Menon's journey began in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he grew up as the son of immigrants from Ukraine and India. He is a certified flight instructor, boasting over 1,000 hours of flight time, and is passionate about teaching general aviation.

Menon's academic achievements include graduating from Saint Paul Academy and Summit School in 1995. He obtained 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 earned 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.

Furthering his expertise, Menon completed a residency in aerospace medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston in 2012, simultaneously earning a master’s degree in public health. He is currently board-certified in both aerospace medicine and emergency medicine.

Menon's career with NASA began in 2014 as a flight surgeon. In this capacity, he delivered vital medical support to four long-duration astronauts stationed aboard the International Space Station. He served as deputy crew surgeon for the Soyuz 39 and Soyuz 43 missions, and as the primary crew surgeon for Soyuz 52. He also spearheaded efforts on the health maintenance system and contributed to the development of the direct return aircraft within the human health and performance directorate. According to NASA's website, his responsibilities took him to Star City, Russia, where he lived and worked for more than six months.