Anil Menon launched to the International Space Station in July 2026 aboard Soyuz MS-29, serving as a flight engineer during Expedition 74/75. A physician by training and a colonel in the United States Space Force, he transitioned from critical care transport to astronaut candidacy after developing medical protocols for both commercial spaceflight and deep space exploration initiatives.
Medical and Academic Foundation
Born in Minneapolis in 1976, Menon attended the St. Paul Academy and Summit School before earning a degree in Neurobiology from Harvard University. His academic path continued at the University of Texas Medical Branch, where he secured an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, an M.D., and an M.P.H. He completed residencies in both Emergency Medicine and Aerospace Medicine. During his training, he received the Thomas T. Hoopes Prize for his academic contributions.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Military and Field Service
Menon served with the 173rd Fighter Wing and Space Launch Delta 45. As a member of the United States Air Force critical care air transport team, he participated in two deployments to manage the transport of wounded warriors. His emergency medical experience includes responding to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the 2011 Reno Air Show accident, and the 2015 Nepal earthquake. He holds a Commendation Medal and was promoted to colonel upon his 2026 transfer to the United States Space Force.
Aerospace Medical Leadership
Starting in 2014, Menon served as a NASA flight surgeon, supporting International Space Station missions including Soyuz TMA-13M, Soyuz TMA-17M, and Soyuz MS-06. He spent over six months living in Star City, Russia, while working within the Human Health and Performance Directorate. In 2018, he became the first flight surgeon for SpaceX, overseeing medical support for Crew Dragon missions from Demo-2 through Inspiration4.
Astronaut Selection and Missions
NASA selected Menon for Astronaut Group 23 in December 2021. He began his duties in January 2022 and concluded two years of initial training on March 5, 2024. This training qualified him for research assignments on the International Space Station and deep space missions utilizing the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System. Following his July 2026 launch, he conducted operations as a flight engineer.
Fast facts
- Born: 1976, Minneapolis
- Citizenship: United States
- Education: Harvard University, University of Texas Medical Branch
- NASA Astronaut Group: 23
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Space Agency Service: NASA, United States Space Force
- Previous Employer: SpaceX
Questions readers ask
What medical experience does Anil Menon have?
He is an emergency medicine physician with specialized training in aerospace and wilderness medicine, having served as a flight surgeon for both NASA and SpaceX.
Which missions has he flown?
Menon flew as a flight engineer on the Soyuz MS-29 mission in July 2026, which docked with the International Space Station.
Achievements
- Commendation Medal
- Thomas T. Hoopes Prize
- Recorded as astronaut and physician
.jpg)
