Jonny Kim’s 8-Months in Orbit Crowns Other Triumphs
By James Moreau | 06 Jan, 2026

After orbiting the Earth 3,920 times, decorated Navy SEAL and Harvard MD Jonny Kim successfully concluded his mission aboard NASA Expedition 73.

Astronaut and flight engineer Dr. Jonathan Kim concluded a historic eight-month mission aboard the International Space Station by returning to Earth on December 9, 2025.

As part of NASA Expedition 73 Kim spent 245 days in space, orbiting the Earth 3,920 times and traveling nearly 104 million miles.

The crew’s mission centered on scientific research on human health in microgravity.  Kim investigated the physiological effects of spaceflight and observed the behavior of super-cold fluids in weightlessness.  On the ISS he also configured robotic Astrobee free-flying assistants that allow scientists to manage tasks from Earth so astronauts can focus on complex research.

Kim joined NASA in 2017 as part of Astronaut Group 22, making him the first Korean American astronaut.

Although he maintained straight A’s in high school, Kim felt that traditional college wasn’t for him.  Instead, he answered the strongest calling he had at the time and became a Navy SEAL.  In 2002 at 18 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy.

During two Middle East deployments he completed more than 100 combat missions while serving in multiple high-stakes roles including navigator, combat medic and sniper.

Kim was the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and the Silver Star, the latter of which was awarded for his valor in rescuing multiple wounded soldiers in the face of enemy fire and providing life-saving combat trauma care.

To honor fallen comrades and serve a greater cause Kim earned an MD from Harvard Medical School in 2016 after earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of San Diego. 

Meeting astronaut physician Dr. Scott Parazynski while in med school inspired Kim to consider a career with NASA.

The 41-year-old Santa Monica native is the son of Korean American immigrants.  His vast achievements are rooted in a resilience developed from a tumultuous childhood.