Astronaut Jonny Kim Leaves NASA After Nearly Ten Years for Navy Duty

Astronaut Jonny Kim's last day at NASA is Thursday, after nearly a decade with the agency. He served an eight-month science expedition aboard the International Space Station, launching in April 2025 aboard the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft. Kim will continue his career as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy rather than remaining at NASA.

Kim's departure follows a period of active spaceflight duty and science work on the station. His transition back to full-time Navy service illustrates how astronaut careers can move between federal civilian and military roles. The timing closes a chapter that included both ground assignments and an extended orbital mission.

For NASA's astronaut corps, the exit opens a roster slot and shifts experience back to the Navy. Observers may watch how the agency fills the vacancy and whether Kim's station research yields published results after his departure.