Who is Anil Menon, the NASA astronaut who will launch on a 240-day mission on the International Space Station?
Research during the mission
During his time on the ISS, Menon will work as a flight engineer and participate in scientific research and technology. The studies aim to prepare for human exploration of the moon in the future Mars. They include investigations into how microgravity affects blood flow, vein structure, and intravenous fluid production using the station’s water supply.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from Harvard University
Born in Minneapolis to immigrants from India and Ukraine, Menon has an impressive academic background. He holds a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from Harvard University as well as a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and a medical doctorate from Harvard University. Stanford University. Before becoming an astronaut, he was NASA’s expedition surgeon for International Space Station missions and SpaceX’s first flight surgeon who helped develop medical support systems for crewed flights.
Other notable achievements
Menon has been selected as part of NASA’s 2021 astronaut class. After two years of intense training, he graduated as an astronaut in 2024. He is also a certified flight instructor with more than 1,000 flight hours and has participated in endurance events such as Ironman races and the Kokoro Elite Challenge. Menon is married to Anna Menon, a SpaceX An employee, they have two children together.
