Doctor-astronaut Anil Menon and Russian crew begin eight-month mission on the International Space Station

A new stage in space exploration was marked this Tuesday with the launch of a crew made up of a doctor-astronaut and two cosmonauts towards the International Space Station (ISS). Aboard the Russian Soyuz MS-29/75S spacecraft, astronaut Anil Menon, a former NASA and SpaceX flight surgeon, began his first trip to space, part of a mission lasting approximately eight months.

International crew reaches Earth orbit

The launch took place from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 10:47 am (Eastern Daylight Time – EDT). The Soyuz spacecraft, commanded by cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov and accompanied by cosmonaut Anna Kikina and astronaut Menon, successfully took off, releasing itself for autonomous flight just eight minutes and 46 seconds after ignition. After two complete orbits, the spacecraft docked with the ISS at 1:52 pm (EDT), marking the beginning of the team’s long stay in a microgravity environment. Collaboration between space agencies from different countries continues to be a fundamental pillar for the maintenance and operation of the International Space Station.

The unique journey of doctor-astronaut Anil Menon

Anil Menon’s career is notable for its diversity and significant contributions to medicine and space exploration. Before being selected for NASA’s astronaut corps in 2021, Menon played a crucial role as a flight surgeon at the space agency and later at SpaceX. He was a pioneer in establishing essential medical protocols for Elon Musk’s company’s commercial space flights, ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts on private missions. His experience spans both medicine in extreme environments and the development of procedures for growing commercial space travel.

Family connections and advances in space exploration

Anil Menon’s passion for space is shared by his wife, Anna Menon, who also has an impressive track record in the industry. Anna, a biomedical engineer and flight controller, worked alongside Anil at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Like her husband, she transitioned to SpaceX in 2018, serving as a senior engineer. In 2024, Anna Menon was among two SpaceX employees who participated in a five-day flight with the Crew Dragon capsule, a mission chartered by billionaire Jared Isaacman, currently NASA administrator. She was selected to the NASA astronaut corps in 2025, awaiting flight assignment after completing her initial two-year training.

Extended mission and challenges on the orbital station

The crew will spend around eight months aboard the International Space Station, an experience that requires great resilience and adaptation. During this period, astronauts and cosmonauts will conduct a series of scientific experiments, station maintenance and routine activities to ensure the functioning of the orbiting laboratory. The presence of an astronaut doctor like Anil Menon is of paramount importance to monitor the health of the crew and deal with any medical challenges that may arise in the microgravity environment.

Soyuz MS-29/75S mission details

• Crew:Pyotr Dubrov (Soyuz commander, cosmonaut), Anna Kikina (cosmonaut), Anil Menon (astronaut).
• Launch:This Tuesday, at 10:47 am (EDT), from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan.
• Launch Vehicle:Soyuz rocket.
• Coupling:Successfully performed at 1:52 pm (EDT) on the International Space Station, after two orbits.
• Mission Duration:Eight months aboard the ISS, dedicated to research and maintenance.
• Menon’s Background:Former NASA and SpaceX flight surgeon, responsible for medical protocols on commercial flights.
• Family Connection:Wife, Anna Menon, also a space engineer and NASA astronaut-in-training, with experience in commercial flights.