Anna Menon is making waves as one of the first women who could land on the moon and even Mars. At 39, this Duke alumna is among ten new astronaut candidates selected by NASA.
With a master’s degree in biomedical engineering, Anna has a solid science background. Before this, she worked in Mission Control at NASA Johnson in Houston. Her choice reflects a growing trend: women are increasingly stepping into roles that were once reserved for men.
Sean Duffy, acting NASA Administrator, shared that over 8,000 people applied for the 2025 astronaut class. This included a mix of scientists, pilots, engineers, and dreamers. Duffy noted, “The 10 men and women sitting here today embody the truth that in America, regardless of where you start, there is no limit to what a determined dreamer can achieve—even going to space.”
This new astronaut class, dubbed the 24th, officially began training at NASA Johnson in mid-September. They will undergo nearly two years of rigorous preparation. After the training, they’ll become part of NASA’s active astronaut corps, ready for missions to low Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars.
Experts emphasize the need for diverse backgrounds among astronauts. This blend of skills is crucial for advancing NASA’s goals in deep space exploration. As space missions become more ambitious, having experts from different fields can enhance decision-making and problem-solving skills in high-pressure environments.
The excitement around this class is palpable. A recent survey showed that public interest in space exploration has surged, especially among younger generations. Many are inspired to follow careers in STEM, fueled by the “space race” spirit of today.
As they train, these astronaut candidates are not just preparing for missions; they’re becoming role models for future generations. The advancements we make in space exploration can influence science and technology back on Earth, opening doors we haven’t even imagined yet.
For more details on this historic journey and NASA’s future plans, you can check out the official NASA website.
