Johns Hopkins Affiliates Join NASA's 2025 Astronaut Class
Rebecca Lawler and Imelda Muller, both affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, have been selected as part of NASA's 2025 astronaut class. They are among 10 individuals chosen from a pool of over 8,000 applicants.
Their selection initiates a rigorous two-year training program designed to prepare them for future flight assignments. These assignments may include missions to low Earth orbit, the moon, and Mars.
Rebecca Lawler's Path to Space
Lawler earned her master's degree in space systems engineering from Johns Hopkins' Whiting School of Engineering in 2018. Her prior experience includes serving as a naval aviator and a hurricane hunter for NOAA.
Lawler's path to NASA involved multiple applications, ultimately being selected in 2024.
Imelda Muller's Unique Preparation
Muller completed a residency in anesthesiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She previously worked as an undersea medical officer with the Navy. Her duties involved diving medicine and saturation diving in hyperbaric chambers for extended periods.
Muller notes that her experience in hyperbaric chambers for extended periods has parallels to space environments.
Rigorous Astronaut Training Program
The astronaut training program covers multiple disciplines. It includes familiarization with the International Space Station's hardware and electronic systems, spacewalk practice in a neutral buoyancy lab, robotics training, T-38 supersonic jet flying, and Russian language instruction.
The program also addresses the physiological and mental aspects of long-duration space travel and recovery.
Contributing to NASA's Future
Following training, astronauts contribute to NASA's broader mission objectives. This includes supporting current International Space Station operations and participating in the Artemis program.
The Artemis program aims to establish a sustained human presence on the moon, serving as a stepping stone for future deep-space exploration to Mars.
Both Lawler and Muller expressed eagerness to contribute to these missions and experience space, including viewing Earth from orbit and adapting to unique conditions such as sleeping in space.