Anna Menon has been selected for NASA’s 2025 astronaut class, marking a significant milestone in her already distinguished career in space exploration.
HOUSTON, TX — Anna Menon, who recently served as a mission specialist on SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn flight, has been chosen for NASA’s 2025 astronaut class. This selection highlights yet another milestone in a career filled with remarkable achievements.
Menon is known for her role in setting a new altitude record for women in space and participating in the first commercial spacewalk. She began her official astronaut training in September, further solidifying her status in the field of space exploration.
Adding a unique dimension to her story, Anna is married to fellow NASA astronaut Anil Menon. Together, they form one of the few couples in which both partners are active astronauts. The Menons are parents to two children, and Anil is slated to fly on the Soyuz MS-29 mission in June 2026 as part of Expedition 75.
Menon’s journey to space began at SpaceX, where she dedicated seven years as a senior engineer. In this role, she supported crew operations for the Dragon and Starship spacecraft and spent considerable time in mission control. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and Spanish from Texas Christian University, as well as a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Duke University.
A native of Houston, Menon balances her professional commitments with community service. She volunteers with organizations such as the World Health Organization and Engineers Without Borders. In her leisure time, she enjoys hiking, scuba diving, and flying.
Her contributions to the Polaris Dawn mission have garnered her several accolades, including the World Record for Altitude: Women’s Record and the Dr. Buzz Aldrin Space Advancement Award. Additionally, she has received the Duke University Distinguished Young Alumni Award, multiple recognitions from SpaceX, and various NASA awards for her work at the Johnson Space Center.
Together, Anna and Anil Menon exemplify both a personal and professional partnership, pushing the boundaries of space exploration while nurturing a family on Earth.
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