Duke alumna Anna Menon preps for historical past becoming a member of NASA’s 2025 astronaut class :: WRAL.com

A Duke alumna prepares to make historical past as one of many first girls to probably set foot on the moon and shortly Mars.

Anna Menon, 39, is considered one of ten folks chosen as NASA’s new astronaut candidates. The Houston native holds a grasp’s diploma in biomedical engineering from Duke University and beforehand labored in NASA’s Mission Control Center at NASA Johnson.

According to Sean Duffy, performing NASA Administrator, greater than 8,000 folks utilized for the 2025 astronaut class, together with “scientists, pilots, engineers, dreamers from every corner of this nation.”

“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,” Duffy stated. “Together, we’ll unlock the Golden Age of exploration.”

Officials stated the twenty fourth astronaut class reported for responsibility at NASA Johnson to start their coaching in mid-September. The class will prepare for almost two years earlier than becoming a member of NASA’s lively astronaut corps and changing into eligible for flight assignments supporting future science and exploration missions to low Earth orbit, the Moon and Mars.

Officials stated their operational experience, scientific data, and technical backgrounds are essential to advance NASA’s objectives of deep house exploration and sustaining a long-term human presence past Earth.