Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon to begin first space mission July 14

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon is preparing for his first journey to space, with a launch scheduled for July 14, 2026.The physician and engineer will travel to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Russia's Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, as per reports. 

The mission marks Menon's debut spaceflight and is expected to last approximately 240 days, or around eight months. During his stay aboard the ISS, Menon will serve as a flight engineer as part of Expeditions 74 and 75. 

The crew is expected to remain in orbit until spring 2027, conducting a range of scientific experiments and technology demonstrations aimed at supporting future human exploration missions to the Moon and Mars.

Born in Minneapolis to Indian and Ukrainian immigrant parents, Menon has attracted considerable attention in India as he joins the growing list of astronauts with Indian roots participating in major international space missions. He will fly alongside Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina as part of an international crew.

As per reports, Menon will participate in research focused on understanding how the human body adapts to microgravity. Planned studies include investigations into blood flow, vein structure, and the production of intravenous fluids using the station's water supply. The findings could help improve astronaut health during future deep-space missions while also contributing to advances in healthcare on Earth.