SpaceX Crew-3 launched the Dragon capsule Endurance to the International Space Station on November 10, 2021, carrying mission specialist Kayla Barron. This flight marked a significant milestone in her career, placing her at the center of Expedition 67 operations after years of specialized training in both nuclear engineering and submarine warfare for the United States Navy.
Academic Foundation
Born in Pocatello, Idaho, in 1987, Barron graduated from Richland High School in 2006. She continued her education at the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in systems engineering. Her academic path included time at Peterhouse, University of Cambridge, where she earned a Master of Philosophy in nuclear engineering in 2011. Her research during this period examined thorium-fueled nuclear reactor concepts, specifically modeling fuel cycles for accelerator-driven subcritical reactors.
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 Service
Barron ranks as a lieutenant commander and was among the first women to qualify as a submarine warfare officer. Following her nuclear power and submarine officer training, she served on the Ohio-class submarine USS Maine, where she completed three patrols as a division officer. Before her selection by NASA, she served as Flag Aide to the Superintendent at the United States Naval Academy.
Astronaut Selection and Missions
In June 2017, NASA selected Barron for Astronaut Group 22, making her the fifth female Naval Academy graduate to join the candidate pool. Following two years of training, she qualified for spaceflight in 2020. During the Crew-3 mission, she spent 176 days in space, serving on the International Space Station before splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico on May 6, 2022.
Technical Credentials and Recognition
Her professional recognition includes the Commendation Medal and the Achievement Medal. In addition to her military and space credentials, she holds a Technician Class amateur radio license, issued by the FCC in 2020 with the call sign KI5LAL. Her academic honors include being a Trident Scholar and a Distinguished Graduate at the Naval Academy, alongside her tenure as a Gates Cambridge Scholar.
Fast facts
- Born: 1987, Pocatello
- Education: Richland High School, United States Naval Academy, Peterhouse
- Degree: Master of Philosophy in nuclear engineering
- Military Rank: Lieutenant commander
- NASA selection: June 2017
- Spaceflight: SpaceX Crew-3
- Amateur radio call sign: KI5LAL
- Spouse: Tom Barron
Questions readers ask
What is Kayla Barron's professional background?
She is a nuclear engineer, naval officer, and NASA astronaut who served as a submarine warfare officer.
Which spacecraft did she travel on during her mission?
She launched aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule Endurance on November 10, 2021.
Achievements
- Educated at Peterhouse, United States Naval Academy and Richland High School
- Worked as astronaut, nuclear engineer and naval officer
.jpg)