Kerala celebrates NASA astronaut Anil Menon’s historic journey to ISS
Kerala is celebrating the historic journey of NASA astronaut Anil Menon, who recently launched to the International Space Station. Menon, who has roots in the Palakkad district, is a U.S. Space Force colonel and former flight surgeon.
Why it matters
The story highlights the cultural pride associated with the achievements of individuals of Indian origin in global space exploration.
People of the State celebrated and felt proud as Kerala-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon flew to ISS on Tuesday.
He is the great-grandson of former State Congress chief Sir C. Sankaran Nair.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar congratulated Mr. Menon, whose roots lie in the Ottapalam, Palakkad district.
In a Facebook post, Mr. Arlekar said that he was fortunate to have visited Mr. Menon’s ancestral home last year to pay tributes to his great-grandfather.
“Hearty congratulations and best wishes to Anil Menon, the pride of Kerala, in his historic space odyssey. I have had the fortune of visiting his ancestral home, Chettur House at Ottappalam, a year back, to pay tributes to Anil Menon’s great-grandfather, late Sir C Sankaran Nair,” he said.
Mr. Menon took off for the International Space Station (ISS) onboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft as part of Expedition 74.
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