NASA astronaut Jonny Kim is set to embark on his first mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as a flight engineer and a key member of the upcoming Expedition 72/73 crew.

Scheduled for launch in March 2025 aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft, Kim will be joined by Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky for an eight-month stay aboard the ISS.

During his time on the ISS, Kim will participate in a wide range of scientific experiments and technology demonstrations aimed at preparing for future deep-space missions and enhancing life on Earth.

His work will contribute to the ongoing research efforts that have been a hallmark of the ISS, which has been continuously inhabited for over two decades.

Kim’s journey to space began when he was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2017. After completing rigorous training, he took on several critical roles, including lead operations officer for Expedition 65, T-38 operations liaison, and chief engineer for space station communications.

A Los Angeles native, Kim has an impressive background as a United States Navy lieutenant commander, dual-designated as a naval aviator and flight surgeon, and a former Navy SEAL.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of San Diego and a medical degree from Harvard Medical School.

The ISS remains a vital platform for advancing scientific knowledge and testing the technologies needed for long-duration spaceflight.

As NASA shifts more of its focus toward deep-space exploration, including missions to the Moon and Mars, the ISS continues to play a crucial role in developing the capabilities required for these ambitious endeavours.