Summary:

Kayla Barron was selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class. She reported for duty in August 2017. 

The Washington native graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering. A 

Gates Cambridge Scholar, Barron earned a master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Cambridge. As 

a Submarine Warfare Officer, Barron was a member of the first class of women commissioned into the submarine 

community. She served as member of the NASA SpaceX Crew-3 mission to the International Space Station, which 

launched on November 10, 2021. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts safely splashed down on Friday, May 6, 2022

completing the agency’s third long-duration commercial crew mission to the International Space Station. The 

international crew of four spent 177 days in orbit.

Personal Data:

Born in Pocatello, Idaho, Barron considers Richland, Washington, to be her hometown. She is married to Tom Barron of 

New York, New York. Her parents, Scott and Lauri Sax, live in Richland, Washington. She enjoys hiking, backpacking, 

running, and reading.

Education:

Graduated from Richland High School in Richland, Washington, in 2006. Earned a bachelor’s degree in Systems 

Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 2010. Earned a master’s degree in Nuclear 

Engineering from the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England, in 2011, as a 2010 Gates Cambridge Scholar.

Experience:

Barron was commissioned as a Navy officer in 2010 and immediately attended graduate school. Her graduate research 

focused on modeling the fuel cycle for a next-generation, thorium-fueled nuclear reactor concept. Following graduate 

school, Barron attended the U.S. Navy’s nuclear power and submarine officer training before being assigned to the USS 

Maine, an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine homeported in Bangor, Washington. Barron qualified as a submarine 

warfare officer and completed three strategic deterrent patrols while serving as a division officer aboard the Maine. At 

the time of her selection, Barron was serving as the Flag Aide to the Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy.

NASA Experience:

Barron reported for duty in August 2017 and completed two years of training as an Astronaut Candidate. She served as 

member of the NASA SpaceX Crew-3 mission to the International Space Station, which launched on November 10, 2021. 

http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies

Kayla Barron

(Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy) NASA Astronaut

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

Houston, Texas 77058

August 2023
The international crew of four spent 177 days in orbit as members of the Expedition 66/67 crew. During her time as a 

flight engineer on the space station, she performed two spacewalks, was lead robotics operator for a third spacewalk, 

and served as assistant robotics operator for the capture of a Cygnus cargo vehicle. Barron is currently supporting the 

development of new technologies and operational concepts for the Artemis Program, including the development of next 

generation planetary space suits, lunar rovers, and Gateway.

Awards/Honors:

Awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps 

Achievement Medal, and various unit commendations. Trident Scholar and Distinguished Graduate, U.S. Naval 

Academy. Gates Cambridge Scholar.

Organizations:

U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Gates Cambridge Alumni Association.

http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies

Kayla Barron