Kayla Jane Barron (néeSax; born September 19, 1987) is an American submarine warfare officer, engineer, and NASAastronaut. Barron was selected in June 2017 as a member of the NASA Astronaut Group 22, and later qualified as an astronaut in 2020.[1] Barron took part in her first spaceflight, SpaceX Crew-3, as part of the crew of Expedition 66/67, which launched to the International Space Station on November 10, 2021.[2] Before joining NASA, Barron was a submarine warfare officer and Flag Aide to the Superintendent at the Naval Academy.
After obtaining a master's degree, Barron was part of the first group of women to become submarine warfare officers. She attended the Navy's nuclear power and submarine officer training program, and was assigned to the Ohio-class submarine USS Maine. While serving on the USS Maine, Barron completed three patrols as a division officer. Following her submarine assignment, Barron was Flag Aide to the Superintendent at the Naval Academy until her selection as an astronaut.[3]
NASA career
In June 2024, Barron was selected as a member of NASA Astronaut Group 22, and began her two-year training.[3] She was the fifth female Naval Academy graduate selected as an astronaut candidate.[7]