Who is Anil Menon, Indian-origin Nasa astronaut headed to ISS
Anil Menon, an Indian-origin NASA astronaut, has launched on an eight-month mission to the International Space Station. His mission focuses on studying the physiological effects of long-duration spaceflight and testing medical technology for future deep-space exploration.
Why it matters
Advancements in space medicine and long-duration flight capabilities are critical for future human missions to the Moon and Mars.
Indian-origin Nasa astronaut Anil Menon was launched by Russia on Tuesday on an eight-month mission to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.Menon was aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft along with cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina.During his stay aboard the International Space Station, Menon will conduct experiments to study the physiological effects of long-duration spaceflight, including how microgravity affects blood flow, vein structure and blood composition in astronauts.He will also help test technology to produce intravenous fluids using the station's potable water system, a capability that could be important for future deep-space missions where medical supplies are limited.Who is Anil Menon? Menon was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Indian and Ukrainian immigrant parents. He is married to Anna Menon and the couple have two children.
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