Trump Honors Indian-Origin Astronaut Anil Menon During ISS Call

Kohima, India Aug 29, 2026 ALN: President Donald Trump has praised Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon and his two crewmates, Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, as "great Americans, great patriots, brave people" during a call to the International Space Station (ISS). The call, made from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, included an invitation for the astronauts to visit the Oval Office upon their return to Earth.

"This is a great honor, to be with you is a great honor and I just want to thank Jessica, Anil, Jack, great Americans, great patriots, brave people," Trump expressed during the Friday call. He acknowledged the courage required for their mission, stating, "I wouldn’t do it. I will tell you right now, I hate to admit it, I would not want to do it, but some people love it more than anything." This statement highlights the inherent risks and challenges associated with space travel, which require not only technical expertise but also immense personal bravery.

Menon, a colonel in the US Space Force, conveyed his pride in serving in space and discussed a recent spacewalk he completed. "Thank you, sir. And I would like to say, as a colonel in the Space Force, that I am very proud to serve in the largest domain imaginable," he said. He described the experience of performing a spacewalk, stating, "I got the great honor of doing a spacewalk and got to look at the space station from the robotic arm and saw the incredible ingenuity that we are capable of." Spacewalks, or extravehicular activities (EVAs), are critical for the maintenance and upgrading of the ISS, as well as for conducting scientific experiments in the unique environment of space.

Menon expressed excitement about the United States' preparations for missions beyond low-Earth orbit, saying, "We are going to pave the way to our next journey to the Moon, Moon Base and Mars. Thank you for propelling us in that direction." This sentiment aligns with NASA's long-term goals, which include returning humans to the Moon by the mid-2020s under the Artemis program, and eventually sending astronauts to Mars. The establishment of a sustainable human presence on the Moon is seen as a crucial stepping stone for future Mars missions, as it will allow for the testing of technologies and life-support systems necessary for deep space exploration.

This call followed Trump’s announcement of plans to establish a US Space Academy, which he proposed would be on par with prestigious military academies like West Point and the Naval Academy. "If we’re going to do it, it has to be at that very high level. Those are among the hardest schools to get into in the whole country," Trump stated. The proposed Space Academy reflects the growing recognition of space as a critical domain for national security and technological advancement, and it underscores the administration's commitment to fostering a new generation of leaders in this field. The emphasis on rigorous training and education for future space leaders aims to ensure that the United States maintains its competitive edge in space exploration and military capabilities.

During the call, Menon’s wife, Anna Menon, joined Trump at the space center and addressed the astronauts, saying, "Hi, it’s Anna. Great to see you guys up there. We love you guys. You’re doing a great job." This personal touch adds a human element to the high-stakes environment of space missions, reminding the public of the families and loved ones who support astronauts during their missions. Trump reiterated his pride in establishing the Space Force during his first term, emphasizing the growing importance of space-based intelligence for US military operations. "You’re really pioneers. In a true sense, they’re really pioneers," he told the crew, highlighting the innovative spirit that drives space exploration and the role of astronauts as trailblazers in this endeavor.

Hathaway, a Naval Academy graduate, affirmed that the institution would be prepared to support the proposed Space Academy. Meir mentioned that the crew was completing several spacewalks and preparing for another one scheduled for the following week. The rigorous training and preparation that astronauts undergo for spacewalks, including simulations and physical conditioning, are critical for ensuring their safety and success during these complex operations.

As the call concluded, Trump urged the astronauts to return safely and offered to welcome them at the White House. "Great job. Very proud. We’re going to see you when you get back. In fact, if you want, Oval Office time, right?" he said. "So you’ll – we’ll see you in the Oval Office, OK? Thank you very much. Be safe." The invitation to the Oval Office serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for their service and achievements, reinforcing the connection between space exploration and national pride.

Anil Menon was born and raised in Minneapolis to Indian and Ukrainian immigrant parents. His background reflects the diversity within NASA and the broader space community, which has increasingly recognized the importance of inclusion in fostering innovation. NASA selected him for its 2021 astronaut candidate class after he had previously worked as SpaceX’s first flight surgeon and as a NASA crew flight surgeon supporting ISS missions. His unique combination of medical expertise and experience in the aerospace industry underscores the multifaceted skills required for modern astronauts.

Menon launched aboard Russia’s Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft on July 14, alongside cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina. NASA indicated that the three-member crew would spend approximately eight months aboard the orbital laboratory, conducting research and technology demonstrations before returning to Earth in April 2027. This extended duration in space allows astronauts to conduct significant scientific research, including experiments in microgravity that can lead to advancements in various fields, from medicine to materials science.