A most improbable astronaut just went to space
NASA flight surgeon Anil Menon reflects on his journey to becoming an astronaut after multiple rejections. Despite facing setbacks in his career, his diverse background in medicine and search-and-rescue eventually led him to space.
Why it matters
It highlights the persistence required for high-level professional achievement and the non-traditional paths to becoming an astronaut.
Chasing Dreams A most improbable astronaut just went to space “I pretty much, at that point in time, gave up on being an astronaut.”
8 NASA astronaut and Expedition 75 crewmember Anil Menon, left, and his wife, NASA astronaut candidate Anna Menon, right, pose for a photograph between glass, Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Cosmonaut Hotel in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Credit: John Kraus/NASA NASA astronaut and Expedition 75 crewmember Anil Menon, left, and his wife, NASA astronaut candidate Anna Menon, right, pose for a photograph between glass, Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Cosmonaut Hotel in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Credit: John Kraus/NASA Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Anil Menon, a NASA flight surgeon, felt crushed nine years ago as his hopes and aspirations collapsed around him.
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