From NASA engineer to astronaut: Everything you need to know about Anna Menon

Anna Menon, one of the newest astronaut candidates to explore space. (Image: NASA)

Anna Menon, a Houstonian, has shifted from a biomedical engineer at NASA to a figurehead in commercial space travel. In 2024, she was a mission specialist/medical officer of SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission. She also achieved a milestone in private space travel. She completed the first commercial spacewalk and set a woman’s altitude record above Earth.

Academic Background and Early Career

Anna Menon has bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Spanish from Texas Christian University and a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Duke University.

Her professional career began at NASA Johnson Space Center, where she worked for nearly seven years supporting medical operations on the International Space Station. She joined SpaceX in 2018 as a Lead Space Operations Engineer and accomplished much in crew operations for the Dragon and Starship spacecrafts.

Anna Menon's Indian Connection

Anna Menon is married to Anil Menon, a NASA astronaut of Indian origin, creating one of the most remarkable partnerships in the space community. Anil was born to Ukrainian and Indian parents and has served as a flight surgeon for SpaceX’s first human space mission.

Together, the couple represents a fusion of global talent in space exploration, blending expertise across NASA and commercial ventures like SpaceX. The couple has two children and shares a profound commitment to space exploration.

Mars and Beyond

Anna Menon is a member of NASA’s 2025 astronaut class. She is poised to support missions returning humans to the Moon and ultimately, reaching Mars. With her extensive experience in both government and private space sectors, she is preparing herself. She is paving the way for the future of human space exploration.