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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
People File • Astronaut

Jonny Kim

Jonny Kim is a Korean American NASA astronaut, U.S.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Jonny Kim is a NASA astronaut, U.S. Navy officer, physician, and former Navy SEAL. He flew his first space mission to the International Space Station in 2025.

What it is

Jonny Kim is a highly accomplished American astronaut with a unique background as a former Navy SEAL, a physician, and a naval aviator. He was selected by NASA in 2017 and launched to the International Space Station on 8 April 2025 aboard Soyuz MS-27, serving as a flight engineer for Expeditions 72 and 73.

Key details

Born in Los Angeles to Korean-American immigrant parents, Kim earned a mathematics degree from the University of San Diego and a medical degree from Harvard Medical School. Before NASA, he served as a U.S. Navy SEAL, completing over 100 combat operations, and later qualified as a naval aviator and flight surgeon. His eight-month mission to the ISS ended with a return to Earth on 9 December 2025.

Why it matters

Kim’s career path—from elite special operations to medicine to spaceflight—is rare and inspiring. He exemplifies the breadth of talent NASA seeks, and his story highlights the dedication and versatility required to become an astronaut in the modern era.

In short

  • Former U.S. Navy SEAL with over 100 combat operations.
  • Earned mathematics and medical degrees before joining NASA.
  • Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2017.
  • Flew an eight-month mission to the ISS in 2025.

Quick questions

Who is Jonny Kim?
He is an American NASA astronaut, physician, U.S. Navy officer, and former Navy SEAL.
When did Jonny Kim first go to space?
He launched to the International Space Station on 8 April 2025.
What did Jonny Kim do before NASA?
He served in the U.S. Navy as a Navy SEAL and later trained and worked in medicine.

Sources

  1. NASA — https://www.nasa.gov/people/jonny-kim/
    Supports: Astronaut biography, education, military background, NASA selection, Soyuz MS-27 launch, ISS mission, and return date.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonny_Kim
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, and overview of career and first spaceflight.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jonny-Kim
    Supports: Birth details and concise biographical identification as a Korean American Navy SEAL, doctor, aviator, and astronaut.