NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim Departs Agency to Continue Military Service
After nearly a decade at NASA, including an eight-month science expedition aboard the International Space Station, astronaut Jonny Kim's last day at the agency is Thursday. He will continue serving as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy. Kim was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2017 and completed two years of astronaut candidate training covering space station systems, Russian language, robotics, T-38 flight operations, geology, survival training, and spacewalk preparation. He later supported station operations as a capsule communicator in Mission Control and contributed to Artemis program development through the astronaut exploration branch, leading the astronaut crew operations branch and serving as increment lead for Expedition 65.
Kim launched to the space station in April 2025 aboard the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft as a flight engineer for Expeditions 72/73. During the mission, he orbited Earth 3,920 times, traveled nearly 104 million miles, and supported investigations in technology development, Earth science, biology, and human research. Serving as U.S. Operating Segment lead for the second half of Expedition 73, he oversaw operations across the station's international modules. During that expedition, the station hit a historic milestone when every available docking port was occupied for the first time in 25 years. He also commanded the Canadarm2 robotic arm during the first capture of Northrop Grumman's new Cygnus XL spacecraft, securing 11,000 pounds of supplies. Kim and his Roscosmos crewmates landed safely in Kazakhstan in December 2025.
His diverse background as a Navy SEAL, physician, and naval aviator provided unique perspectives in mission operations and crew support. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised Kim's contributions, saying he 'represents the very best of NASA' and advanced critical science for future missions. Vanessa Wyche, director of Johnson Space Center, called his impact 'immeasurable' and a lasting legacy, while Astronaut Office Chief Scott Tingle noted Kim's humility, precision, and commitment.