Dr Anil Menon: Kerala's First Astronaut to Embark on ISS Mission

Jul 13, 2026

89 min

Jul 13, 2026 04:31

Meet Dr Anil Menon: Kerala-born NASA astronaut making ISS history

## Historic Space Mission

Dr Anil Menon, a NASA astronaut with roots in Kerala, is set to make history as the first Malayali to travel to space. He will launch aboard Russia’s Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft on July 15, 2026, for an eight-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Expedition 75. Accompanying him will be Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina.

## Kerala's Unique Space Connection

Menon's mission highlights a unique connection for Kerala’s Palakkad district, which is linked to three astronauts. Besides Menon, Anna Menon, a private astronaut, and Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, an Indian astronaut-designate, also have ties to the region.

## Anil Menon's Background

Born in Minneapolis to Indian and Ukrainian parents, Menon pursued a career in medicine and engineering. He studied neurobiology at Harvard and later earned degrees in mechanical engineering and medicine from Stanford. His career includes roles as a NASA flight surgeon and a SpaceX medical program leader.

## Mission Objectives

During his time on the ISS, Menon will conduct research on human adaptation to long-duration spaceflight. His work will involve studying blood circulation changes, testing intravenous fluid production from ISS water, and supporting medical research using advanced technologies.

## Personal and Professional Ties

Menon's wife, Anna Menon, is also an astronaut, having participated in SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission. The couple shares a unique bond as both have ventured into space. Additionally, Menon has a close friendship with Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, reflecting his strong ties to India and Kerala.

## Celebrating a Milestone

Dr Anil Menon's upcoming mission is a proud moment for Kerala, marking a significant milestone in the region's contribution to space exploration. As the countdown to his launch begins, the global space community celebrates this new chapter in human spaceflight.

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