Indian-origin astronaut Anil Menon has embarked on his first space mission to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Russia’s Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft. The spacecraft, carrying Menon and two Roscosmos cosmonauts, docked with the ISS’s Prichal module after a two-orbit journey lasting about three hours.
Menon, expressing pride in serving the United States Space Force, shared his excitement on social media before the launch. He is set to spend about eight months aboard the ISS before returning to Earth in April 2027, conducting scientific research and technology demonstrations during his stay.
During his mission, Menon will engage in various scientific investigations, including refining semiconductor crystal production in space for high-performance computers and medical devices. He will also conduct ultrasound experiments using augmented reality and artificial intelligence methods to potentially reduce the need for medical support from Earth during deep-space missions.
