Veteran NASA Astronaut and Former SEAL Jonny Kim Leaves the Agency for Naval Aviation

After spending nearly ten years at NASA, including an eight-month science mission aboard the International Space Station, astronaut Jonny Kim bid farewell to the agency on Thursday to resume his career as a U.S. Navy lieutenant commander.

The astronaut launched to the space station in April 2025 aboard the Soyuz MS‑27 spacecraft, serving as a flight engineer during Expeditions 72/73. Throughout the mission, he circled the globe 3,920 times, traversing almost 104 million miles, while contributing to extensive scientific research in technology development, Earth science, biology, and human research vital for future exploration.

“Jonny Kim embodies the highest ideals of NASA, constantly pushing the boundaries of exploration while inspiring countless individuals,” stated NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “His work aboard the International Space Station advanced essential science that will shape NASA’s future missions for decades. We are deeply grateful for his dedication to our nation and the pursuit of knowledge, and we wish him continued success in the U.S. Navy.”

As the U.S. Operating Segment lead for the latter half of Expedition 73, Kim oversaw operations across the station’s international modules. During his tenure, the station reached a historic milestone as every available docking port was occupied simultaneously for the first time in 25 years. He also piloted the Canadarm2 robotic arm to capture Northrop Grumman’s new Cygnus XL spacecraft during its first rendezvous, delivering 11,000 pounds of supplies. Kim and his Roscosmos crewmates returned safely to Kazakhstan in December 2025.

“Jonny has been an essential part of this agency, and his immeasurable impact will resonate for generations,” noted Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “From advancing groundbreaking science to inspiring the next generation, Jonny has been a profound source of inspiration for our nation. His exceptional talent, determination, and grit will leave an enduring legacy at NASA.”

Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2017, Kim completed two years of rigorous candidate training. This encompassed space station systems, Russian language, robotics, T‑38 flight operations, geology, survival training, and spacewalk preparation.

He subsequently supported station operations as a capsule communicator, or capcom, from NASA’s Mission Control Center at Johnson. Kim also contributed to the Artemis program through his work in the astronaut exploration branch, leading the astronaut crew operations branch, and serving as increment lead for Expedition 65. His diverse experiences as a Navy SEAL, physician, and naval aviator provided unique perspectives in mission operations and crew support.

“Jonny approached every assignment with humility, precision, and steadfast commitment to the mission,” remarked Scott Tingle, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA Johnson. “His blend of medical training, operational experience, and engineering insight strengthened our team and drove advancements in exploration and space station operations.”

Born in Los Angeles, Kim enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating high school in 2002. He trained as a hospital corpsman and completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training before joining SEAL Team Three. Throughout more than 100 combat operations, he served as a medic, sniper, navigator, and point man, earning the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Combat “V,” and numerous other commendations.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of San Diego and a doctor of medicine from Harvard Medical School. Kim completed his internship at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He became a dual-designated naval aviator and flight surgeon, finishing flight training at Naval Air Stations Corpus Christi in Texas and Whiting Field in Florida, alongside aerospace medical training at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute at Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Kim is returning to active duty to complete the remainder of his military career within naval aviation training.

“Contributing to space exploration and serving NASA has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Kim. “Throughout my career, I’ve learned that beyond the missions, the training, and the hardware, success always comes down to the people. They are our greatest asset, and leading with love and empathy is how we achieve the impossible. I look forward to carrying my commitment to service, my enduring love for space and technology, and the hard-earned lessons from this past decade into my next chapter to make a meaningful impact on humanity’s future.”

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