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Jonny Kim, Navy astronaut, doctor and former SEAL, departs NASA
Task & Purpose • • science
Key Points:
- Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jonny Kim, a former Navy SEAL, Harvard-trained doctor, astronaut, and Naval Aviator, is leaving NASA after nearly a decade to return to active duty in naval aviation training.
- Kim was selected as an astronaut in 2017 and spent eight months aboard the International Space Station in 2023, orbiting Earth nearly 4,000 times and traveling approximately 104 trillion miles.
- His military career includes over 100 combat missions and several valor awards, including the Silver Star and Bronze Star Medal with "V" device.
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised Kim for pushing exploration boundaries and inspiring others, noting his contributions will influence future space missions for decades.
- Kim expressed his commitment to service and looks forward to applying his space and aviation experience to impact humanity’s future in his new naval aviation role.
