HOUSTON – A Duke University alumna is among ten candidates selected by NASA to begin training as the agency’s newest astronaut class, potentially paving the way for a future mission to the Moon and, eventually, Mars.
Anna Menon, 39, a Houston native with a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Duke, is part of the 24th astronaut class that reported for duty at NASA Johnson Space Center in mid-September. Her selection from a pool of over 8,000 applicants underscores NASA’s commitment to deep space exploration and establishing a sustained human presence beyond Earth, with training lasting nearly two years before potential flight assignments.
Menon previously worked at NASA’s Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center,bringing valuable operational experience to the program. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy highlighted the diverse backgrounds of the selected candidates, stating, “The 10 men and women sitting here today embody the truth that in America, irrespective of where you start, there is no limit to what a resolute dreamer can achieve – even going to space.”
The new astronaut class will support future science and exploration missions to low Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars, leveraging their scientific knowledge and technical expertise. Duffy added, “Together, we’ll unlock the Golden Age of exploration.”
Officials emphasized the importance of the class’s combined expertise in advancing NASA’s goals for long-term space exploration.
