Marine Lt. Col. Jasmin Moghbeli Poised to Lead NASA’s Space Mission as Commander of SpaceX Crew-7

Marine Lt. Col. Jasmin “Jaws” Moghbeli is set to embark on a groundbreaking journey to space as the commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-7. This mission, scheduled to launch on August 25, will take Moghbeli and her international crew to the International Space Station (ISS) to conduct experiments in the station’s microgravity laboratory. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Moghbeli’s illustrious career and fulfills a lifelong dream.

Moghbeli, 38, expressed her excitement about the upcoming mission during a NASA press conference on July 25. She mentioned that one of the things she is most looking forward to is the opportunity to witness the beauty of Earth from space. She added that hearing from other astronauts who have experienced this perspective has convinced her that it is a life-changing experience.

Before joining NASA’s astronaut training program in 2017, Moghbeli served as a helicopter pilot in the Marines, flying an AH-1W Super Cobra. She later became a test pilot for the service. While many aspiring astronauts pursue careers as fighter jet pilots, Moghbeli’s love for rotary-wing aviation led her to choose a different path. She admitted that the only time she questioned her determination to become an astronaut was during her deployment to Afghanistan in 2009, where she flew close air support missions with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367.

Throughout her career, Moghbeli completed two additional deployments with Marine Expeditionary Units to Japan and the Middle East. Despite her unwavering dream of becoming an astronaut, she acknowledged that luck, in addition to skill, played a role in her journey to NASA. Moghbeli emphasized that she would have been content with any career path that allowed her to pursue her passion.

During the press conference, Moghbeli also shared details about the experiments she is eager to conduct at the ISS. One of these experiments involves a spacewalk where she will collect samples from the outside of the space station to study the survival of microorganisms in space’s harsh conditions. She expressed her enthusiasm for this particular experiment, describing it as “really cool.”

In a heartwarming revelation, Moghbeli disclosed that she will be accompanied on her six-month mission by two stuffed dragons, symbolizing her young twin daughters. She expressed her excitement about showing her daughters the dragons floating in space.

The upcoming Crew-7 mission will launch aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, named “Endurance,” propelled by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This spacecraft previously transported the Crew-3 and Crew-5 missions, adding to its significance. Moghbeli’s role as the commander of Crew-7 follows in the footsteps of another Marine Corps trailblazer, Col. Nicole Mann. Mann, a former F/A-18 Hornet pilot, commanded Crew-5 and became the first Native American woman to perform a spacewalk. She was also the first female Marine to lead a NASA spaceflight.

Moghbeli, who grew up in Baldwin, New York, on Long Island, rarely discusses her pioneering role in her field. However, she mentioned during the press conference that recent protests and demonstrations for freedom in Iran have inspired her. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities she has had in her life and expressed hope for a future where everyone has equal opportunities to pursue their dreams without any barriers.

Marine Lt. Col. Jasmin “Jaws” Moghbeli’s upcoming mission to space is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead for aspiring astronauts.

How does Moghbeli’s military background and experience as a test pilot equip her with the necessary skills to handle the complexities of space travel as the commander of SpaceX Crew-7

Wed her to serve her country and make a positive impact.

Moghbeli’s selection for NASA’s astronaut training program was not an easy feat. The process is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants vying for a limited number of spots. However, Moghbeli’s exceptional qualities stood out, including her strong leadership skills and her ability to remain calm under pressure.

During her training, Moghbeli underwent rigorous physical and mental exercises to prepare her for the challenges of space exploration. She trained extensively in various spacecraft systems, survival techniques, and extravehicular activities. Additionally, she learned about the scientific experiments she and her crew would conduct on the ISS.

As the commander of SpaceX Crew-7, Moghbeli will be responsible for ensuring the safety and success of her crew during the mission. She will lead them through various tasks, including docking with the ISS and conducting experiments in the microgravity laboratory. Her military background and experience as a test pilot have equipped her with the necessary skills to handle the complexities of space travel.

Moghbeli’s journey to become an astronaut has been an inspiration to many, particularly women and minorities who are underrepresented in the field. She hopes that her achievements will encourage others to follow their dreams and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

As she prepares for her historic mission to space, Moghbeli remains focused and determined. She is grateful for the support she has received from NASA, her family, and her mentors throughout her career. She recognizes the significance of this opportunity and hopes to make meaningful contributions to space exploration and scientific research.

Marine Lt. Col. Jasmin “Jaws” Moghbeli’s journey to space exemplifies dedication, perseverance, and a passion for exploration. With her upcoming mission, she is set to inspire others and leave a lasting legacy in the field of space exploration.