Physician, engineer, and flight surgeon prepares for his first mission to the International Space Station
Dr. Anil Menon is preparing to make history as the first astronaut of Malayali origin to travel to space. The NASA astronaut will launch to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft, marking the beginning of his first spaceflight after years of supporting human space exploration behind the scenes.
Although this will be Menon’s first mission as an astronaut, he has spent more than a decade contributing to NASA and commercial spaceflight programs as a flight surgeon, aerospace physician, and engineer.
A journey rooted in science and service
Born in Minnesota to an Indian father and a Ukrainian mother, Anil Menon traces his family roots to Ottapalam in Kerala, according to Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan.
Menon studied engineering before pursuing medicine, combining expertise in both fields throughout his career. He is married to fellow aerospace professional Anna Menon, and the couple has two children.
Outside his professional work, he participates in endurance events such as Ironman and Kokoro races and enjoys backpacking with his family.
From flight surgeon to NASA astronaut
Long before being selected as an astronaut, Menon played an important role in advancing human spaceflight.
He joined NASA as a flight surgeon in 2014, providing medical support for astronauts assigned to International Space Station missions.
He later became SpaceX’s first flight surgeon, helping establish the company’s medical operations while supporting the launch of its first crewed missions.
His responsibilities included developing medical systems to protect astronauts during commercial space missions and supporting NASA’s growing partnership with SpaceX.
Before joining NASA, Menon also served as a flight surgeon with the United States Air Force, logging more than 100 sorties aboard F-15 fighter aircraft and transporting more than 100 critically ill patients as part of a critical care air transport team.
In 2021, NASA selected him as a member of its Astronaut Candidate Class, and he officially began astronaut training in January 2022.
First mission to the International Space Station
Menon will launch aboard Soyuz MS-29 alongside Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina.
The spacecraft is scheduled to lift off on July 14, 2026, at approximately 6:47 pm UAE time. After a two-orbit journey lasting about three hours, the spacecraft will dock automatically with the Prichal module of the International Space Station.
The three crew members will join the Expedition 74 crew before serving as part of Expedition 75 during an approximately eight-month mission.
Their return to Earth is currently planned for April 2027.
Once aboard the station, Menon will work alongside NASA astronauts Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, and Chris Williams, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, Sergei Mikaev, and Andrey Fedyaev.
Research that could shape future space missions
During his first mission, Menon will contribute to several scientific investigations designed to improve future space exploration and life on Earth.
One project will focus on refining the production of semiconductor crystals in microgravity. Researchers believe these experiments could support the future manufacturing of components used in high-performance computers, artificial intelligence systems, and advanced medical devices.
Menon will also participate in research exploring the use of augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to perform ultrasound examinations in space. The technology could reduce astronauts’ dependence on medical support from Earth during future missions to the Moon and Mars.
In addition to conducting research, Menon will serve as a research participant himself. Scientists will study changes in blood circulation and the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body to better understand aging and human health in microgravity.
A milestone for Kerala and India
Menon’s mission has drawn attention in India, particularly in Kerala, where his family roots trace back to Ottapalam.
Kerala leaders have described the launch as a historic moment for the state, recognising Menon’s achievement as an important milestone for the global Malayali community and for Indians working in science, engineering, and space exploration.
His journey from physician and engineer to NASA astronaut also highlights the growing role of professionals with Indian heritage in international space programmes.
As he embarks on his first mission to the International Space Station, Anil Menon carries with him years of medical expertise, engineering knowledge, and operational experience that have already contributed significantly to human spaceflight. His upcoming mission now places him at the forefront of space exploration, where he will help advance scientific research that could shape the future of long-duration missions beyond Earth.
Source: KT
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From left to right: Nasa astronaut Anil Menon and Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina, Soyuz MS-29 prime crew members, pose for a portrait at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia.
Photo: Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center via NASA website
