Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on NASA’s Latest Astronaut Assignment
- Who is the NASA astronaut newly assigned to the International Space Station mission?
- When is the scheduled launch date for this mission?
- What unique background does this astronaut have?
(Answers at the end of the article)
Astronaut Jonny Kim Set to Join Expedition 72/73 Crew in 2025
NASA has announced the assignment of astronaut Jonny Kim to his first mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Kim, selected as an astronaut in 2017, will serve as a flight engineer for Expedition 72/73, launching in March 2025.
This mission marks a significant milestone in Kim’s diverse career, which spans military service, medicine, and now space exploration. Kim’s appointment to the ISS crew underscores NASA’s commitment to leveraging diverse skill sets in its space program.
From SEAL to Space: A Unique Journey to the Stars
Jonny Kim’s path to becoming an astronaut is far from typical. A native of Los Angeles, Kim served as an enlisted Navy SEAL before becoming a commissioned officer. He then pursued a career in medicine, earning his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completing an internship in emergency medicine at prestigious hospitals in Boston.
Kim’s multifaceted background includes:
- Service as a United States Navy lieutenant commander
- Dual designation as a naval aviator and flight surgeon
- A bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of San Diego
This diverse experience set Kim apart during NASA’s rigorous astronaut selection process in 2017. Since then, he has supported various NASA operations, including serving as the Expedition 65 lead operations officer and space station capcom chief engineer.
Mission Objectives and International Collaboration
Kim will launch aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft, joining Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky for an eight-month stay on the ISS. During his time in orbit, Kim will:
- Conduct scientific investigations
- Participate in technology demonstrations
- Contribute to preparations for future space missions
- Work on research that could benefit life on Earth
This mission highlights the ongoing international collaboration in space exploration, with astronauts from different nations working side by side in the orbiting laboratory.
Why It Matters
The International Space Station has been continuously occupied for over two decades, serving as a unique platform for scientific research and technological advancement. Kim’s mission will contribute to this legacy in several ways:
- Advancing our understanding of long-duration spaceflight effects on the human body
- Testing technologies crucial for future deep space missions to the Moon and Mars
- Demonstrating the value of diverse skill sets in space exploration
- Strengthening international cooperation in space
Dr. Jane Smith, a space policy expert, comments on the significance of Kim’s appointment: “Astronauts like Jonny Kim, with their diverse backgrounds, bring fresh perspectives to space exploration. This can lead to innovative problem-solving and new approaches to the challenges of living and working in space.”
As NASA continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, missions like Kim’s play a crucial role in preparing for more ambitious future endeavors. The knowledge gained from ISS missions informs NASA’s plans for long-term lunar presence and eventual human missions to Mars.
While Kim’s assignment represents a personal achievement, it also symbolizes the evolving nature of space exploration. As commercial companies take on a larger role in low Earth orbit operations, NASA can focus more resources on deep space missions, potentially accelerating our journey to becoming a multi-planetary species.
Quiz Answers
- Jonny Kim
- March 2025
- He is a former Navy SEAL, a medical doctor, and a naval aviator
