Jonny Kim

Jonny Kim is an American NASA astronaut, former United States Navy SEAL, and physician. Selected for NASA Astronaut Group 22 in 2017, he is a mission specialist in the Artemis program and completed his first spaceflight on the SpaceX Crew-6 mission to the International Space Station. His unique career path, spanning special operations combat, medicine, and space exploration, has made him a prominent figure in American aerospace.

Early life and education

Jonny Kim was born in Los Angeles to parents who had emigrated from South Korea. He attended local schools before enrolling at the University of San Diego, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. His academic pursuits were temporarily set aside when he enlisted in the United States Navy, but he later returned to higher education in a significant way. Following his military service, he was accepted into Harvard Medical School, graduating with a Doctor of Medicine degree and subsequently completing a residency in emergency medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Military service

Kim enlisted in the United States Navy in 2002 and successfully completed the rigorous training to become a Navy SEAL. He was assigned to SEAL Team 3 and served as a combat medic, sniper, and navigator on over 100 combat missions during the Iraq War and other conflicts. His deployments included operations in the Middle East such as in Ramadi and Sadr City. For his distinguished service, he received several decorations, including the Silver Star and the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V". He achieved the rank of lieutenant before transitioning out of active combat duty to pursue his medical career.

NASA career

Selected as an astronaut candidate in NASA Astronaut Group 22, Kim reported for duty in August 2017 and completed two years of intensive training at the Johnson Space Center. His training included robotics, International Space Station systems, spacewalk procedures, T-38 Talon jet proficiency, and Russian language studies. He served in various support roles, including as a capsule communicator in Mission Control Center for International Space Station expeditions. In 2023, he launched aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft Endurance as a mission specialist for the SpaceX Crew-6 mission, spending approximately six months aboard the International Space Station conducting scientific research and station maintenance. He is eligible for future assignments in the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon.

Awards and honors

Kim's military decorations include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat "V". He has also received the Combat Action Ribbon and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. For his academic achievements, he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. As a NASA astronaut, he was awarded the NASA Space Flight Medal following his first mission. His service and career trajectory have been recognized by institutions like the Harvard Medical School and the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command.

Personal life

Jonny Kim is married to Brenda Kim, and the couple has two children. He has spoken publicly about the profound influence of his family and the loss of his father during his youth. In interviews, he has credited his time in the Navy SEALs with instilling discipline and resilience, traits he carried into his medical and astronaut training. His story has been featured in various media outlets and he is considered a role model in the Korean-American community and within the broader fields of STEM and national service.

Category:American astronauts Category:United States Navy SEALs Category:Harvard Medical School alumni Category:American military personnel of the Iraq War Category:NASA astronauts