Space NASA Astronaut Anil Menon Begins 8-Month ISS Mission Context : NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina launched aboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Operated by Roscosmos, the mission will take the crew to the International Space Station (ISS), where they will spend eight months conducting scientific research and maintaining the space station. About 8-Month ISS Mission NASA astronaut Anil Menon lifted off on 15 July 2026 for an 8-month stay at the International Space Station (ISS). He is accompanied by Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina. The crew launched aboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft. The mission was launched by Roscosmos from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. During the mission, the crew will conduct scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, and maintenance activities aboard the ISS. Significance Strengthens international cooperation in space exploration between NASA and Roscosmos. Supports microgravity research in fields such as medicine, biology, and materials science. Contributes to preparations for future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars. Highlights the growing contribution of Indian-origin astronauts to global space exploration.
