Duke Grad Trains to Become NASA Astronaut

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Anna Menon, a Duke University graduate, is currently immersed in a rigorous two-year training program with NASA, building on her experience as a mission specialist with SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission. Her journey highlights the growing trend of blurred lines between commercial spaceflight and traditional NASA programs, as well as the potential acceleration of lunar exploration.

Why it matters

Menon's background, which includes experience as a biomedical flight controller at NASA's Johnson Space Center and a senior engineer at SpaceX, provides a valuable perspective as NASA aims to return to the moon and beyond. Her story also underscores North Carolina's growing role in the space industry, with other graduates from the state's universities also joining the ranks of astronauts.

The details

Menon's current NASA training program includes learning about spacewalks, jet flight, and the intricacies of the International Space Station. A key component of her training involves the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, a giant pool at Johnson Space Center, where astronauts can simulate the weightlessness of space.

• Menon previously spent seven years as a biomedical flight controller at NASA's Johnson Space Center, supporting operations on the International Space Station.
• In September 2024, Menon flew as a mission specialist on the Polaris Dawn mission, which achieved a new female altitude record and conducted approximately 40 research experiments.
• Menon is currently undergoing a rigorous two-year training program with NASA to become an astronaut.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Menon's current NASA training program will continue for the next two years, after which she will be eligible to be selected for a future spaceflight mission.