Current Affairs/Science and Technology GS3 · Science and Technology14 Jul 2026 · The Hindu — Science & Tech
Who is Anil Menon, the Indian-origin NASA astronaut of Malayali descent set to travel to space?
Anil Menon, NASA’s first astronaut of Malayali origin, embarks on a historic ISS mission, conducting groundbreaking research in space.
Quick Revision
Prelims-testable facts
- 01Anil Menon was born on October 15, 1976.
- 02He is a lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force and an emergency medicine physician.
- 03Anil Menon was selected by NASA to join the 2021 Astronaut Candidate Class.
- 04He reported for duty at NASA in January 2022.
- 05Anil Menon will embark on his first mission to the International Space Station as a flight engineer and Expedition 75 crew member.
- 06The space mission is scheduled to take place on July 14, 2026.
- 07Anil Menon will be launched to the ISS on the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Trap alerts
- Most people think Anil Menon is of Indian descent only, but actually he is also of Malayali origin.
- Most people think Anil Menon's first space mission will be on a SpaceX spacecraft, but actually it will be on the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft.
Mains Practice Question
Critically examine the implications of increasing diversity in NASA's astronaut corps, particularly with regards to representation from underrepresented communities.
250 words
Practice this in the exam hall →Prelims Practice MCQs
Single facteasy
Who is the first NASA astronaut of Malayali origin?
- A.Anil Menon
- B.Rakesh Kumar
- C.Vikram Singh
- D.Kamal Jain
Anil Menon is NASA's first astronaut of Malayali origin, marking a significant milestone for representation in the space agency.
Single factmedium
What mission will Anil Menon be embarking on?
- A.ISS Expedition
- B.Mars Orbiter Mission
- C.Space Shuttle Columbia
- D.Apollo 11
Anil Menon will be part of the ISS (International Space Station) mission, conducting groundbreaking research in space.
Single facthard
What type of research will Anil Menon conduct on the ISS?
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