Jonny Kim is a unique NASA astronaut who has served as a Navy SEAL in Iraq and graduated from Harvard Medical School. His journey to becoming an astronaut is an inspiring one, as he explains that he is drawn to chaos and thrives in challenging environments. Kim, who will be launching to the International Space Station in March, shares insights into his feelings about the upcoming mission and how he is preparing for it.
When asked about his emotions regarding the space mission, Kim mentions that he is looking forward to contributing to the mission but does not feel particularly excited or anxious about the launch. He shares a list of tasks he needs to do before leaving, including household repairs and spending time with his family. Kim’s children have mixed feelings about the mission, with his older son feeling a sense of responsibility in his absence.
In terms of adjusting to life in space, Kim anticipates that the microgravity environment will be the most challenging aspect. He also acknowledges the importance of maintaining connections with loved ones on Earth while being away. Kim expresses his interest in human physiology experiments on the ISS and the impact they have on future space exploration.
Having a background as a Navy SEAL and a medical doctor has shaped Kim into a team player with strong communication skills. He emphasizes the importance of the human side of the job and working together towards a common goal. Kim’s career switch from SEAL to doctor to astronaut was not planned but driven by his desire to make a positive impact and continue learning.
Kim reflects on his childhood and the lack of representation of people like him in certain careers, such as astronauts. He discusses the inspiration he found in the concept of being a warrior and how it led him to pursue his different career paths. Kim’s interest in medicine stemmed from his experience as a hospital corpsman in the Navy and his desire to help people in need.
Meeting physician-astronaut Scott Parazynski during medical school planted a seed in Kim’s mind about training with NASA. While he initially applied to the astronaut corps not expecting to get in, Kim’s motivation comes from a combination of personal growth and making a positive impact with his life. He values the opportunity to work on a diverse team and solve challenging problems in pursuit of lifelong learning.
Jonny Kim’s journey to becoming a NASA astronaut is a testament to his resilience, determination, and passion for making a meaningful impact in the world. His unique background and experiences have shaped him into a valuable member of the astronaut corps, ready to embark on his first spaceflight mission to the International Space Station.
