MENG HAILS NASA ASTRONAUT – WHO RECENTLY VISITED QUEENS – FOR ARRIVING AT INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

QUEENS, NY - Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) hailed NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim - who recently visited Queens - for arrivingat the International Space Station this morning in his first spaceflight.

In October 2022, Meng broughtKim to the borough where he met and spoke with local students at Francis Lewis High School in Fresh Meadows and the Queens College School for Math, Science and Technology in Flushing. Meng and Kim also hosted a luncheon with local Korean American leaders in Flushing.

During his trip to Queens, Meng introduced him to the students, and Kim talked about becoming an astronaut, space exploration, overcoming challenges and his remarkable life and career.

"I remember seeing the excitement from Queens students when Jonny Kim came to their school and how they were inspired by his story," said Meng. "I'm thrilled to now see him arriving in space and I wish him all the best in this important mission."

Kimarrived at the International Space Station with two Russian cosmonauts and is scheduled to stay aboard the orbital outpost for eight months. During the mission, he will conduct scientific research in technology development, Earth science, biology, human research and more.

A child of South Korean immigrants, Kim was selected by NASA in 2017 after serving as a U.S. Navy SEAL, receiving the Silver Star and Bronze Star and earning a medical degree from Harvard Medical School.

Meng is the top Democrat on the House subcommittee that funds NASA and is proud to have secured money for the space agency to fund missions like these.

Kim's full bio can be viewed here.