NASA astronaut Anil Menon launches to ISS on Soyuz MS-29

Nasa astronaut Anil Menon shared his first orbital message from the International Space Station. He expressed deep gratitude for the people who supported his journey to space. Menon also conveyed his appreciation for the beauty of Earth seen from orbit. His eight-month mission includes scientific investigations and station maintenance. This assignment marks a significant milestone in his career as a former flight surgeon.

A former SpaceX flight surgeon and emergency doctor, Menon is one of the few people of Indian heritage to fly to space.

A most improbable astronaut just went to space  Ars TechnicaNASA Astronaut Anil Menon, Crewmates Arrive at Space Station  NASA (.gov)Russia sends American and two cosmonauts to space station with rare NASA chief visit  ReutersRussia launches NASA astronaut Anil Menon and 2 cosmonauts to the International Space Station (video)  SpaceIndian-Origin Astronaut Anil Menon Blasts Off For Maiden Space Station Trip  NDTV

NASA astronaut Anil Menon has begun his first mission to the International Space Station aboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft. Born to an Indian father from Kerala and a Ukrainian mother, Menon has had a remarkable journey from emergency medicine and military service to space exploration. Here’s a look at his career, his Indian roots, and the mission ahead.

NASA astronaut Anil Menon, who is of Indian origin, has successfully reached the International Space Station aboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft, marking the beginning of an eight-month mission focused on scientific research. Menon lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan alongside Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina, and the crew docked with the station roughly three hours after launch, according to Space.com. The mission is Menon's first spaceflight and forms part of the continuing operational partnership between NASA and Roscosmos aboard the orbiting laboratory.Welcome aboard the International Space Station, @astro_anil.Your mission is just getting started. Wishing you and your crewmates a successful expedition as you advance research and inspire millions back here on Earth. pic.twitter.com/Vp9ceT1Ea5— NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman (@NASAAdmin) July 14, 2026 Launch and docking detailsThe Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft lifted off at 10.47 am EDT (14.47 UTC) atop a Soyuz-2.1a rocket. The ascent was nominal throughout, with side booster separation occurring about two minutes after launch and second stage separation following roughly two and a half minutes later. Third stage orbital insertion and separation was completed at around eight minutes and 46 seconds into the flight, placing the spacecraft on a fast two-orbit rendezvous profile toward the space station.SpaceX Brings Back 4 NASA Astronauts To Earth In First-Ever Medical Evacuation From ISSWho is Anil Menon?Menon previously worked as an emergency physician, engineer, and flight surgeon before joining NASA's astronaut corps. He also served as SpaceX's first-ever flight surgeon before his selection by NASA. His medical background is expected to play a central role in the research assignments planned for his stay aboard the station.Research focus for the missionThe expedition combines routine station operations with scientific investigations centred on technologies expected to matter for future deep space missions to the Moon and Mars. One of the primary objectives involves studying how semiconductor crystals can be produced in microgravity, since the absence of gravity alters crystal formation in ways that could benefit manufacturing on Earth.Healthcare research forms another significant part of the mission. Communication delays on future Moon and Mars missions will make real-time medical guidance from Earth increasingly difficult, creating demand for technologies that support autonomous healthcare in space. Menon is expected to test artificial intelligence and augmented reality systems designed to assist astronauts during medical examinations. NASA said Menon will perform ultrasound using augmented reality and artificial intelligence methods that could eliminate the need for medical support from Earth on future space missions. Such systems could allow crew members with limited medical training to carry out complex diagnostic procedures with intelligent guidance.NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim Returns To Earth After 8-Month ISS MissionThe mission marks the second spaceflight for both Dubrov and Kikina. Dubrov previously lived aboard the ISS from April 2021 to March 2022, while Kikina spent five months on the station between October 2022 and March 2023. Kikina is the only woman in Russia's active cosmonaut corps and was the first Russian to fly on a private American spacecraft when she travelled to the ISS aboard SpaceX's Crew-5 mission during her earlier stint.Menon, Dubrov, and Kikina will join the Expedition 74 crew already stationed aboard the ISS, where they are expected to remain for approximately eight months, conducting research, performing maintenance, and supporting ongoing scientific investigations.

Physician-astronaut Anil Menon, a former flight surgeon with NASA, rocketed into space Tuesday with two Russian cosmonauts for an eight-month stay aboard the International Space Station. CBS News' space consultant Bill Harwood has more.