Navy SEAL doctor Jonny Kim launches into space with NASA

Lt. Cmdr. Jonny Kim, a highly accomplished individual, is set to embark on a space mission in March 2025. He will be launched aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft alongside two Russian cosmonauts, where he is expected to spend around eight months at the International Space Station (ISS). During his time in space, Kim will conduct scientific investigations aimed at preparing the ISS for future missions, showcasing his expertise in both medicine and space operations. Kim's impressive background includes a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of San Diego and a medical degree from Harvard Medical School. His career has spanned various roles, including serving as a decorated Navy SEAL and later as a commissioned officer. Additionally, he is a dual-designated naval aviator and flight surgeon, which highlights his diverse skill set and commitment to service. Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2017, Kim has since completed rigorous training and has taken on significant responsibilities in mission and crew operations. His roles have included serving as the Expedition 65 lead operations officer and space station capcom chief engineer, demonstrating his leadership and technical capabilities in high-pressure environments. This announcement comes at a challenging time for NASA, as the agency is currently working to rescue two astronauts stranded aboard the ISS due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner. Kim's upcoming mission will not overlap with the stranded astronauts, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by NASA in maintaining crew safety and operational integrity in space exploration.