Meet Anil Menon, NASA astronaut who will spend 8 months aboard space station: All about the Indian-origin doctor who once served in Afghanistan
The trio will spend approximately eight months on the ISS, where they will conduct scientific experiments designed to advance humanity’s space exploration and develop technologies that could benefit life on Earth. From investigating the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body to testing new medical and manufacturing technologies, Menon’s mission is expected to contribute to future journeys to the Moon and Mars.
Anil Menon reached the ISS with Soyuz MS-29
The Roscosmos Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft took off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 20:17 on Tuesday and carried Menon, Dubrov and Kikina to the International Space Station.
After reaching orbit, the spacecraft completed a quick rendezvous with the ISS and docked with the station’s Prichal module at 23:52 IST. After routine safety checks and pressure equalization, the crew entered the station early on Wednesday (India time), where they were welcomed with hugs and handshakes by the astronauts already on board.
While this is Anil Menon’s first trip to space, it marks the second spaceflight for both Dubrov and Kikina.
Who is Anil Menon?
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Anil Menon is an emergency medicine physician, aerospace medicine specialist, and Colonel in the United States Space Force.
His father, KP Shankaran Menon, belongs to Ottapalam in Palakkad district of Kerala, while his mother, Elizabeth, migrated to the United States from Ukraine. Menon’s mission attracted particular attention in India as he became the first NASA astronaut of Malayali origin to travel to space. Beyond his medical career, Menon also has strong ties to India. As a Rotary Ambassador Scholar, she supported polio vaccine initiatives while studying public health in the country for a year.
From Afghanistan to Mount Everest
Long before he became an astronaut, Menon built a remarkable career in some of the world’s harshest environments, according to the PTI report.
During his service in the U.S. Air Force, he worked on the front lines in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, providing emergency medical care under combat conditions.
He also volunteered with the Himalayan Rescue Association, treating climbers at the high altitude of Mount Everest, gaining extensive experience in wilderness and expedition medicine.
Academically, Menon studied neurobiology at Harvard University and then earned both a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and a medical degree from Stanford University. He later specialized in emergency and aviation medicine.
The journey from NASA to SpaceX and back
Menon joined NASA in 2014 as a flight surgeon, where he worked closely with astronauts living and working on the International Space Station.
He moved to SpaceX in 2018, creating the company’s medical program and helping prepare the first human space flights. He also contributed to the development of Starship, a fully reusable spacecraft designed for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
NASA selected Menon as part of the astronaut class in December 2021, and he then completed nearly two years of astronaut training before receiving his first flight assignment.
Space exploration also continues in his family. His wife, Anna Wilhelm, flew into orbit during SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission in 2024.
What scientific research will Anil Menon do on the ISS?
During his eight-month mission, Menon will participate in a variety of scientific research aimed at improving healthcare in space and advancing technologies needed for future deep space exploration.
One of his main areas of research is studying how long-term exposure to microgravity affects the human body. Scientists will examine changes in blood flow, vascular structure and blood composition to better understand the physiological challenges astronauts face during long-duration missions.
The findings could help improve astronaut health on future expeditions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.
Testing new medical technology in orbit
Menon will also help evaluate innovative medical technologies that may be required for long-duration missions.
Key experiments include a system designed to produce intravenous (IV) fluids using the ISS’ drinking water supply. If successful, astronauts will be able to produce emergency medical supplies during future missions without relying entirely on cargo deliveries from Earth.
It will also conduct ultrasound research using augmented reality and artificial intelligence, technologies that will allow astronauts to independently diagnose and treat medical conditions without direct support from experts on Earth.
Development of semiconductor manufacturing in space
Another important goal of the mission is to improve the production of high-quality semiconductor crystals in microgravity.
Researchers believe the unique conditions on the ISS could enable more efficient production of advanced semiconductor materials used in high-performance computers, artificial intelligence systems and next-generation medical devices.
If successful, the research could have applications not only for future space missions but also for industries on Earth.
Eight-month mission before returning to Earth
Menon, Dubrov and Kikina are expected to remain on the International Space Station until April 2027.
During Expedition 74, they will join crew members from NASA, the European Space Agency, and Roscosmos to conduct hundreds of scientific investigations in biology, medicine, physics, Earth observation, and technology development.
Input from agencies
