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Jonny Kim

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

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jonny Kim is a Korean American NASA astronaut, U.S. Navy officer, physician, and former Navy SEAL. He was selected by NASA in 2017 and flew his first space mission to the International Space Station in 2025.

Early life and education

Jonny Kim was born in Los Angeles, California, to Korean-American immigrant parents. He earned a mathematics degree from the University of San Diego and a Doctor of Medicine degree from Harvard Medical School.

Military service

Before his NASA career, Kim served in the U.S. Navy as a Navy SEAL, completing more than 100 combat operations. He later qualified as a naval aviator and flight surgeon, and has been described by NASA as a dual-designated Naval Aviator and Flight Surgeon.

NASA career

Kim was selected by NASA as an astronaut in 2017. He became part of the Artemis team and trained for a long-duration mission to the International Space Station.

Spaceflight

Kim launched to the International Space Station on 8 April 2025 aboard Soyuz MS-27 with two Roscosmos cosmonauts. He served as an Expedition 72/73 flight engineer and returned to Earth on 9 December 2025 after an eight-month mission.

Key facts

  • Born in Los Angeles to Korean-American immigrant parents.
  • Served as a U.S. Navy SEAL and completed more than 100 combat operations.
  • Earned a mathematics degree from the University of San Diego and a medical degree from Harvard Medical School.
  • Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2017.
  • Launched to the International Space Station on 8 April 2025 and returned on 9 December 2025.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jonny Kim?
He is an American NASA astronaut, physician, U.S. Navy officer, and former Navy SEAL.
When was Jonny Kim born?
He was born on 5 February 1984.
Where was Jonny Kim born?
He was born in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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.
What degree did Jonny Kim earn?
He earned a mathematics degree from the University of San Diego and a medical degree from Harvard Medical School.

References

  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.