November 8, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica High School Graduate Becomes NASA Astronaut

Dr. Jonny Kim becomes first Korean American astronaut

By Sam Catanzaro

A graduate of Santa Monica High School (SAMOHI) has become the first Korean American NASA astronaut, eligible for future moon and Mars missions, all on top of a resume that includes a stint as a Navy Seal and degree from Harvard Medical School.

Last week when Dr. Jonny Kim graduated from NASA’s Artemis program he not only became the first Korean American astronaut, he became eligible for missions to the International Space Station, the moon and potentially Mars.

With a goal of sustainable lunar exploration later this decade, NASA says they will send the first woman and next man to the surface on the Moon by 2024. Additional lunar missions are planned once a year thereafter and human exploration of Mars is targeted for the mid-2030s.

“These individuals represent the best of America,” said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston where the graduation ceremony took place. “2020 will mark the return of launching American astronauts on American rockets from American soil, and will be an important year of progress for our Artemis program and missions to the Moon and beyond.”

A first-generation Korean American, Kim was born in 1985 in Los Angeles to South Korean parents. After graduating from SAMOHI in 2002, Kim enlisted in the Navy as a seaman and eventually made the cut for the elite SEAL team.

“I didn’t like the person I was growing up to become,” Kim told the Harvard Gazette in a 2017 interview. “I needed to find myself and my identity. And for me, getting out of my comfort zone, getting away from the people I grew up with, and finding adventure, that was my odyssey, and it was the best decision I ever made.”

Earning his way onto San Diego-based SEAL Team Three, Kim served as a sniper, navigator and point man, among other roles, on over 100 combat missions in the Middle East, earning Silver and Bronze stars. In 2006 while in Iraq, two of Kim’s closest friends were shot on the same day. Kim was serving as a medic and treated one of the friends who had a facial wound. Neither friend survived.

NASA’s new class of astronauts – the first to graduate since the agency announced its Artemis program – appear on stage during their graduation ceremony at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Jan. 10, 2020. Photo NASA/James Blair.

Kim told the Harvard Gazette that the deaths of his friends left him with a “feeling of helplessness” and led to his decision to become a doctor. After earning a mathematics degree from the University of San Diego in 2012, Kim went to Harvard Medical School earning a medical degree in 2016. One year into his residency at Massachusetts General Hosptial Kim would learn he had been chosen as a NASA astronaut candidate out of a pool out of over 18,000 applicants.

Kim was one of 13 individuals to graduate from NASA’s Artemis program, something the now-astronaut called an honor in a tweet.

“A true privilege and honor to walk among the NASA Astronaut Corps with my brothers and sisters. We know there are many qualified and deserving candidates out there – we’re the lucky ones to represent humanity. Let’s work towards a better future for our world and our children,” Kim said.

According to NASA, Kim now awaits his first assignment.

<>Related Posts

Urth Caffé Heirloom Organic Coffee Wins Best of Santa Monica

November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024

By Susan Payne A health-conscious coffee shop in Santa Monica is stealing hearts. More than its Matcha teas, Spanish lattes...

Governor Newsom Convenes Special Session to Protect California Rights Against Future Federal Policies

November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024

Special Session Called To Defend Civil Rights, Reproductive Freedom, Climate Initiatives Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a special session of...

Chinese Chemical Company and Executives Indicted for Allegedly Fueling Fentanyl Crisis in Los Angeles

November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024

U.S. DOJ Charges Hubei Aoks Bio-Tech and Executives With 13 Counts  A federal grand jury has indicted Hubei Aoks Bio-Tech...

Renewable Energy Group to Host Scenic Hike in Palisades

November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024

The Route Is Based on a Walk Described as “The Most Scenic of All the City’s Stairwalks.” WRISE Los Angeles,...

“Caterpillar Soup” Returns to Santa Monica Playhouse for 20th Anniversary Performances

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Written and Performed by Lyena Strelkoff, the Autobiographical Production Explores Her Journey After a Paralyzing Fall The critically acclaimed one-woman...

Megacity Review: Genaro Trejo’s Global Platform for Urban Arts and Literature Launches in Los Angeles’ Westside

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Santa Monica, CA – A new voice has arrived on the Los Angeles literary scene with the launch of Megacity...

Film Review: Here

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

FILM REVIEWHERERated PG-13104 MinutesReleased November 1st  Here was directed by Robert Zemeckis and stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. This...

Thanksgiving 2024: The Best Places to Order Your Holiday Pies in Los Angeles

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Get Ready for Your Thanksgiving Dinner With the Best Desserts November is the official start of the holiday season and...

The Whaler Celebrates 80 Years as Venice Landmark

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Throughout November, the Whaler Will Feature Drink and Food Specials, Live Music, and Weekend Events The Whaler, a Venice Beach...

November 6 Updates: Malibu Holds Fire at 50 Acres as Schools Close, PCH Reopens

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Crews Contain Brush Fire, Closures In Effect, Power Outages in Malibu The city of Malibu’s website has issued an update...

Architectural Review Board Considers Eight-Story Mixed-Use Project on Wilshire

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

The Development Will Include Studio, One-, and Two-Bedroom Units, 13 of Which Will Be Reserved as Affordable Housing A proposed...

Police Seek Suspect in Vandalism of Jewish-Owned Businesses in L.A.’s Pico-Robertson Neighborhood

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Authorities Investigate Series of Early Morning Attacks as Hate Crime Police are actively searching for a suspect accused of vandalizing...

Latest Santa Monica Election Results as Votes Are Counted in National, State, and Local Races

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Preliminary Results From Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, and National Elections Here are the latest election results, as votes are...

Topanga Canyon Blvd Closed to Non-Residents Due to High Fire Danger

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Closures Run From Mulholland Drive to Pacific Coast Highway Topanga Canyon Boulevard will be closed to non-residents from Mulholland Drive...