Anil Menon (NASA astronaut)

NASA astronaut and physician

Anil Menon

Anil Menon is an American physician and NASA astronaut candidate. He is known for his work as a flight surgeon and his contributions to both SpaceX and NASA's human spaceflight programs. Menon has a diverse background in medicine, engineering, and space exploration, making him a unique asset to the astronaut corps.

Early Life and Education

Anil Menon was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He pursued his undergraduate studies in neurobiology at Harvard University, where he developed a strong interest in the intersection of medicine and technology. Following his undergraduate education, Menon attended Stanford University School of Medicine, earning his MD degree. During his time at Stanford, he also completed a Master of Science in mechanical engineering, focusing on biomechanics.

Medical Career

Menon began his medical career as an emergency medicine physician. He completed his residency at Stanford, where he gained extensive experience in trauma and critical care. His interest in aerospace medicine led him to join the United States Air Force as a flight surgeon. In this role, Menon supported various missions and gained valuable experience in the unique medical challenges faced by aviators and astronauts.

Anil Menon in his role as a flight surgeon

SpaceX and NASA

Menon joined SpaceX as the company's first flight surgeon. At SpaceX, he played a crucial role in developing medical protocols for the Crew Dragon spacecraft and supported the Demo-2 mission, which marked the first crewed flight of the spacecraft. His work at SpaceX involved ensuring the health and safety of astronauts during their missions.

In December 2021, Menon was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate as part of the NASA Astronaut Group 23, also known as "The Flies." This group represents a new generation of astronauts who will be involved in future missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and beyond.

SpaceX Demo-2 Landing

Astronaut Training

As a member of NASA's Astronaut Group 23, Menon is undergoing rigorous training to prepare for future space missions. This training includes learning about spacecraft systems, conducting spacewalks, and mastering robotics operations. Menon's medical background provides him with a unique perspective on the physiological challenges of space travel, and he is expected to contribute significantly to the health and safety protocols for long-duration missions.

Personal Life

Anil Menon is married to Anna Menon, who also works in the space industry. The couple shares a passion for space exploration and has been involved in various initiatives to promote STEM education and inspire the next generation of explorers.

NASA Astronaut Group 23

Related Pages

• NASA Astronaut Corps
• SpaceX
• International Space Station
• Human spaceflight