Anil Menon Begins First Space Mission

Indian-origin American astronaut Anil Menon embarked on his maiden space mission on Tuesday, traveling to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Russia’s Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft. He was accompanied by Russian cosmonauts Sergey Dubrov and Anna Kikina. The spacecraft successfully lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The crew is scheduled to spend nearly eight months aboard the ISS, where they will conduct a range of scientific experiments and research activities.

Family members, including Menon’s wife Anna Wilhelm, along with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, were present at the cosmodrome to bid farewell. Notably, his wife is also an astronaut and has previously traveled to space. During his mission, Menon will contribute to various scientific studies aboard the ISS, marking a significant milestone in his career and strengthening international collaboration in space exploration.