Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon launches to ISS with Russian cosmonauts on eight-month mission
NASA astronaut Anil Menon, along with Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina, lifted off on Tuesday (July 14, 2026) aboard a Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The crew is embarking on an eight-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
The Roscosmos spacecraft launched at 8:17 PM IST. After a two-orbit, three-hour journey, it is scheduled to automatically dock with the Prichal module of the ISS at 11:56 PM IST.
This is Mr. Menon's first spaceflight, while the two Russian cosmonauts are on their second mission, according to NASA. His family, including his wife, astronaut Anna Wilhelm, and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, were present at the Baikonur Cosmodrome for the launch.
Once aboard, the trio will join NASA astronauts Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, and Chris Williams; European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot; and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, Sergei Mikaev, and Andrey Fedyaev. The mission is expected to last until April 2027.
Mr. Menon will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations aimed at advancing human space exploration and benefiting life on Earth, NASA stated. His experiments include studying the physiological effects of long-duration spaceflight, such as microgravity's impact on blood flow, vein structure, and blood composition. He will also test technologies for producing intravenous fluids using the station's potable water system—a capability that could become critical for deep-space missions with limited medical supplies.
Additionally, Mr. Menon will refine in-space production of semiconductor crystals for high-performance computers, artificial intelligence, and medical devices. He will perform ultrasound investigations using augmented reality and artificial intelligence, which could reduce the need for Earth-based medical support on future missions.
Yelena Remizova, head of Russia's agency for international humanitarian cooperation Rossotrudnichestvo, told state-run TASS that the rocket carried drawings by Indian schoolchildren. These were winners of the 'First Forever' competition, marking the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's flight and cooperation between Russia and India in space exploration.
