Anil Menon (astronaut candidate)

Anil Menon
Born	Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Physician, Astronaut Candidate
Space career
NASA Astronaut Candidate
Selection	NASA Group 23

Anil Menon is an American physician and NASA astronaut candidate, selected in December 2021 as part of NASA Astronaut Group 23. He is known for his work in aerospace medicine and his contributions to both the medical and space exploration fields.

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 keen interest in the intersection of medicine and technology. Following his undergraduate education, Menon attended Stanford University School of Medicine, earning his MD degree. He also holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley.

Medical Career

Menon began his medical career as an emergency medicine physician. He worked at various hospitals, gaining extensive experience in trauma and emergency care. His interest in aerospace medicine led him to join the United States Air Force as a flight surgeon, where he supported the health and safety of pilots and crew members.

Contributions to Space Medicine

Anil Menon has made significant contributions to the field of space medicine. He served as a flight surgeon for SpaceX, where he played a crucial role in the medical support for the Crew Dragon missions. His work involved developing medical protocols and ensuring the health and safety of astronauts during spaceflights.

NASA Astronaut Candidate

In December 2021, Menon was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate, joining the ranks of NASA Astronaut Group 23. As an astronaut candidate, he undergoes rigorous training in various disciplines, including spacewalks, robotics, and Russian language, preparing for future missions to the International Space Station and beyond.

Personal Life

Anil Menon is married and has a passion for adventure sports, including rock climbing and scuba diving. He is also an advocate for STEM education and frequently engages in outreach activities to inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers.

Also see

• NASA Astronaut Group 23
• SpaceX Crew Dragon
• Aerospace Medicine
• International Space Station