Dr. Anil Menon Embarks on Historic Space Mission, Set to Become First Malayali in Space

Baikonur (Kazakhstan): Bringing immense pride to the global Malayali community, Indian-American astronaut Dr. Anil Menon has officially embarked on his journey to the International Space Station (ISS). With this mission, he is on course to make history as the first person of Malayali descent to travel into space. The initial phase of the launch, executed via the Russian-made Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft, was reported to be completely successful.

The spacecraft blasted off from the historic

Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Dr. Menon is representing the United States' space agency, NASA, on this mission. He is accompanied by two Russian cosmonauts, Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina, making it a collaborative three-member crew.

Flight Timeline and Mission Objectives
​The crew is traveling aboard the Soyuz 2.1A launch vehicle. The entire journey to the space station is highly optimized, expected to take just 3 hours and 9 minutes. The spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the ISS tonight at 11:26 PM. Following standard pressure checks and procedures, Dr. Menon and his fellow crew members will open the hatches and enter the space station two hours later, at 1:26 AM.

.@NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina lifted off atop the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft at 10:47 a.m. EDT today for a 1:56 p.m. docking to the International Space Station. More... https://t.co/OgfE3jFh0Y pic.twitter.com/D0IWMdUbZP

— International Space Station (@Space_Station) July 14, 2026

This mission marks the beginning of a long-term residency in space. The three-member team is scheduled to spend eight months aboard the ISS, during which they will execute and complete more than 100 scientific experiments and advanced research projects.

Distinguished Career and Kerala Roots

Dr. Anil Menon boasts an extraordinary professional background, holding degrees in both medicine and engineering. He first joined NASA in 2014 as a flight surgeon, later transitioning to work with SpaceX, where he helped manage medical responses for their initial crewed launches. NASA officially selected him for its elite astronaut training program in 2021. In addition to his astronaut credentials, he holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Space Force.
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Though born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Dr. Menon shares a deep connection to Kerala. His father, Sankaran Menon, is a native of Ottapalam in the Palakkad district of Kerala, while his mother, Elizabeth, hails from Ukraine.

Heavy Rain Likely in Kerala for Three Days; Orange Alert Issued in Several Districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across Kerala over the next five days. Orange Alerts and Yellow Alerts have been issued for several districts, with heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms expected from July 30 to August 2.

July 30: Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur.

July 31: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod.

August 1: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad.

An Orange Alert indicates the possibility of Very Heavy Rainfall, with rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within 24 hours in isolated places.

July 30: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kasaragod.

July 31: Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram.

August 1: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kannur, Kasaragod.

August 2: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod.

A Yellow Alert signifies the likelihood of Heavy Rainfall, with rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within 24 hours at isolated locations.

Public Urged to Exercise Caution

Residents living in areas prone to landslides, mudslides, and flash floods should move to safer locations as directed by authorities. People residing along riverbanks and downstream of dams are also advised to remain vigilant and relocate if instructed.

Those in disaster-prone areas should ensure that relief camps have been opened and, if necessary, move to these shelters during daylight hours with the assistance of local self-government institutions and revenue officials.

Caution Over Gusty Winds

Strong winds are also expected. People living in houses with weak roofs or structurally unsafe buildings should take extra precautions. The public is advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, as falling trees, electric poles, and hoardings may pose serious risks.

Avoid Non-Essential Travel

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has advised the public to avoid non-essential travel during periods of intense rainfall. Leisure trips to waterfalls, reservoirs, and hilly regions should be postponed until the weather warning is withdrawn.

People should not attempt to cross swollen rivers, bathe, fish, or enter water bodies. Gathering on bridges, taking selfies, or sightseeing near overflowing rivers and reservoirs should also be strictly avoided.

Be Ready for Emergencies

Families living in disaster-prone areas are advised to keep an Emergency Kit ready with essential supplies. In case of emergencies or for assistance, people can contact the 24×7 District and Taluk Control Rooms or call the toll-free emergency helpline numbers 1070 and 1077.