Who Is Anil Menon? Indian-Origin NASA Astronaut Begins First Space Mission, Here's What He Will Do In Space

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has successfully sent to International Space Station by Russia's Soyuz MS-29 Spacecraft. The spacecraft took the launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Tuesday. This is the first time Anil Menon is going to space and is supposed to spend almost eight months in space for a research program Expeditions 74 and 75.

Anil Menon Reaches Space With Russian Crew

Anil Menon is travelling with Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina in Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft. The spacecraft is supposed to reach space in three hours after the launch. As soon they reach the space they will meet the already staying astronauts and cosmonauts in the space.

Just before going to space Anil Menon posted on X, "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."

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 - tune in July 14th 9:43 am central time. Photo credit: Robert… pic.twitter.com/DdPLlmMEGo

— Anil Menon (@astro_anil) July 13, 2026

However, only Menon is going for the first time but Dubrov and Kikina are going for the second time.

NASA and Russia Continue to Work Together

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman was there during the launch of the mission and this is after 8 years when NASA chief visited Baikonur Cosmodrome. His visit is the symbol that US and Russia are working together for Space program. However, this is surprising as both the countries have a long political differences.

Before the launch, Isaacman not just met with Roscosmos chief Dmitry Bakanov but also met and spoke with the crew. "The integrated work performed over the past several months reflects the professionalism and dedication of everyone involved," he said.

Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft FLIES OFF to ISS aboard the Soyuz 2.1a rocket

Cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov, Anna Kikina and astronaut Anil Menon aboard the mission pic.twitter.com/BagF3Pa6iq

— RT Intl (@RT_on_X) July 14, 2026

US and Russia are continuing working to exchange program and with this agreement, US astronauts can travel on Russian spacecraft and even Russian astronauts can travel in US Spacecraft.

Who Is Anil Menon?

Anil Menon is not just related to India but also Ukraine he is 49 years old and was born in Minneapolis. His parents are Indian and Ukrainian. Before becoming an NASA astronaut, he was a doctor working with Himalayan Rescue Association where his patients were who climbs Everest. He was also a part of US Air Force during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Then he joined US Space Force as colonel.

However, Anil Menon joined NASA in 2021, before that he was working with Elon Musk's SpaceX as first flight surgeon. Their he helped with its human spaceflight programme.

Now what's His Aim at Space?

In his eight month stay, he will take part in several science experiments. He will read studies to make semiconductor crystals in space. He will make things under in space how blood flows, how medicine uses artificial intelligence and ultrasound. These all will help in daily scientific work in Space.