Jonny Kim’s historic first mission to the ISS: what you need to know

NASA has announced that Jonny Kim, a native of Los Angeles, will embark on his first mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Expedition 72/73 crew. This significant milestone in Kim’s career will see him serve as a flight engineer, a role that involves conducting scientific investigations and technology demonstrations to prepare for future space missions.

Kim is scheduled to launch aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft in March 2025, accompanied by Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky. The trio will spend eight months on the ISS, contributing to research that advances human space exploration and brings tangible benefits to life on Earth.

Jonny Kim: An Extraordinary Background

Jonny Kim’s journey to becoming an astronaut is nothing short of extraordinary. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Kim has a diverse and accomplished background that includes military service, medical expertise, and advanced academic achievements. Before joining NASA, Kim served as an enlisted Navy SEAL, a role that involved numerous deployments in combat zones and earned him commendations for bravery and leadership.

Kim’s military service honed his leadership skills and ingrained a discipline and resilience that are invaluable in the challenging environment of space. During his time in the Navy, Kim pursued an extensive academic career, earning a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of San Diego. He later attended Harvard Medical School, where he earned a medical degree, further diversifying his skill set.

After completing an internship with the Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Kim became a flight surgeon, intertwining his medical expertise with his passion for space exploration. His unique combination of skills—military, medical, and academic—caught NASA’s attention, and in 2017, he was selected as an astronaut candidate. Since then, he has completed initial astronaut candidate training and taken on various roles within NASA, including Expedition 65 lead operations officer, T-38 operations liaison, and space station capcom chief engineer.

The Significance of the ISS Mission

For over two decades, the International Space Station has been a hub of scientific research and technological development. It is the only laboratory where scientists can conduct long-term experiments in microgravity, providing invaluable insights that are not possible on Earth. The ISS has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of various scientific fields, including biology, physics, and materials science.

One of the key objectives of the ISS is to serve as a testbed for technologies essential for future deep-space missions. These missions, such as NASA’s Artemis program, aim to return humans to the Moon and eventually send crewed missions to Mars. The knowledge gained from long-duration stays on the ISS will help NASA and its international partners address the challenges of deep-space exploration, including the health and well-being of astronauts during extended missions.

Additionally, the ISS plays a critical role in the development of commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit. As private companies take on more responsibility for human space transportation and the development of space habitats, NASA can focus its resources on pushing the frontiers of space exploration. The ISS is central to this strategy, providing a platform for both government and private-sector research and development.

Jonny Kim’s Role in the Mission

As a flight engineer on the ISS, Jonny Kim will be involved in the day-to-day operations of the station. His responsibilities will include maintaining the station’s systems, conducting experiments, and assisting his fellow crew members with various tasks. Given his background as a Navy SEAL and flight surgeon, Kim is well-equipped to handle the physical and mental demands of life in space.

Kim’s medical training will be particularly valuable on this mission. The health of astronauts is a top priority on any space mission, and having a physician like Kim aboard ensures that the crew is well cared for. His expertise will also be critical in experiments related to human physiology, including studies on monitoring and assessment.

In addition to his medical duties, Kim will play a key role in public outreach and educational activities associated with the mission. NASA engages with the public through various channels, including social media, to share the experiences of astronauts aboard the ISS. Kim’s participation will help inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Space Exploration

The upcoming Expedition 72/73 mission is just one part of NASA’s broader vision for the future of space exploration. The agency’s Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, and the experiences and lessons learned from missions like Kim’s will be invaluable. NASA’s long-term goal is to send humans to Mars, a mission that will require unprecedented planning, technology development, and international cooperation.

The work being done on the ISS today lays the groundwork for these future endeavors. By understanding how the human body responds to extended periods in space, developing new life support systems, and testing new technologies, NASA is moving closer to making crewed missions to Mars a reality. Jonny Kim’s participation in the Expedition 72/73 mission is a testament to the importance of having astronauts with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. His unique experiences as a Navy SEAL, flight surgeon, and astronaut make him an invaluable member of the crew, capable of handling the complex challenges of space exploration.

Our Advice on the City

As Jonny Kim prepares for his first mission to the International Space Station, he embodies the spirit of exploration and innovation that drives NASA’s missions. His journey from Navy SEAL to astronaut is a story of perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to advancing human knowledge. The Expedition 72/73 mission represents a significant milestone in Kim’s career and an important chapter in the story of human space exploration.

For occasional travelers visiting Los Angeles, consider exploring the California Science Center, where you can see the Space Shuttle Endeavour and learn more about space exploration. This visit will provide a deeper appreciation of the challenges and triumphs faced by astronauts like Jonny Kim.

For expert travelers, a visit to the Griffith Observatory offers an opportunity to engage with the cosmos through its state-of-the-art telescopes and exhibits. The observatory’s programs and events provide a deeper understanding of the universe and our place within it, inspiring a sense of wonder and curiosity about the final frontier.

In conclusion, Jonny Kim’s upcoming mission to the ISS is a reminder of the potential of human ingenuity and the endless possibilities that lie beyond our planet. As we look forward to the launch in March 2025, Kim’s role serves as a beacon of what can be achieved through dedication and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.