Indian-Origin NASA Astronaut Anil Menon Arrives at International Space Station
Washington–Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has arrived at the International Space Station after launching aboard Russia’s Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft, beginning his first spaceflight and an eight-month mission focused on scientific research and technology demonstrations.
Menon traveled with Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina. Their spacecraft docked with the station’s Prichal module at 1:52 p.m. EDT after a three-hour, two-orbit journey from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The crew lifted off at 10:47 a.m. EDT, or 7:47 p.m. local time. Their arrival temporarily increased the number of people aboard the station to 10.
Before the launch, Menon wrote on X, “Proud to serve the United States Space Force and fly to the International Space Station today in support of NASA and our international partners!”
In another message, he said, “Excited to launch aboard Soyuz MS-29 from Kazakhstan and begin an eight-month mission supporting NASA and Expedition 74/75. Grateful for the NASA community, friends, family, and loved ones and excited for tomorrow.”
After the hatch opened, Menon, Dubrov and Kikina were welcomed by Expedition 74 crew members NASA astronauts Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway and Chris Williams; European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot; and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, Sergei Mikaev and Andrey Fedyaev.
NASA said the three new crew members will remain aboard the station until April 2027. The mission is Menon’s first trip to space and the second spaceflight for both Dubrov and Kikina.
During his stay, Menon will conduct research and technology demonstrations intended to support future human space exploration and produce benefits on Earth.
His work will include improving the in-space production of semiconductor crystals that could support large-scale manufacturing of components for high-performance computers, artificial intelligence systems and advanced medical devices.
Menon will also conduct ultrasound examinations using augmented reality and artificial intelligence. NASA said the methods could reduce the need for medical support from Earth during future long-duration missions.
He will also participate as a test subject in studies examining changes in blood flow in space and will test the bioprinting of vascular structures in microgravity. The research is intended to improve understanding of aging and contribute to the development of new treatments.
Expedition 75 is scheduled to begin July 26 after Williams, Kud-Sverchkov and Mikaev depart the station following their eight-month mission. A change-of-command ceremony is scheduled for July 25, when Kud-Sverchkov will transfer command of the station to Meir.
Menon’s launch drew congratulatory messages from several organizations, including the American Board of Emergency Medicine, which recognized him as a board-certified emergency physician and wished the crew a safe and successful mission.
The International Space Station has maintained a continuous human presence for more than 25 years. Research conducted in its microgravity environment has contributed to advances in medicine, engineering, biology and materials science while supporting preparations for future missions to the Moon and Mars. (Source: IANS)
