Marine Lt. Col. Jasmin “Jaws” Moghbeli's story is one of courage, determination, and breaking barriers. A former AH-1W Super Cobra pilot, Moghbeli, 38, is now preparing to command NASA’s SpaceX Crew-7 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Her journey from flying close air support missions in Afghanistan to leading a space mission is a testament to her resilience and passion.
A Dream Realized: Commanding Her First Space Mission
Moghbeli's first trip to space is scheduled for August 25, where she will lead a four-member international crew. The mission aims to conduct experiments in the ISS's microgravity laboratory.
Reflecting on her upcoming journey, Moghbeli expressed excitement about the life-changing perspective of seeing Earth from space.
A Marine's Valor in Afghanistan
Moghbeli's military career is marked by valor and dedication. She flew close air support missions out of Camp Bastion in Helmand province with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, nicknamed “Scarface,” during her deployment to Afghanistan in 2009.
Her love for rotary-wing aviation was so profound that she once doubted whether she would leave it even for a chance to become an astronaut.
Trailblazing Achievements
Selected for NASA’s two-year astronaut training program in 2017, Moghbeli's path to space was guided by skill, luck, and unwavering determination.
She completed deployments with Marine Expeditionary Units to Japan and the Middle East, always keeping her dream of becoming an astronaut alive.
Experiments and Mascots: A Personal Touch
During her six-month mission, Moghbeli will conduct various experiments, including a spacewalk to collect potential evidence of microorganisms surviving in space.
Adding a personal touch, she will be accompanied by two stuffed dragons in honor of her young twin daughters, symbolizing the SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, called Endurance.
Inspiring Others and Breaking Barriers
Moghbeli's achievements extend beyond her military and space career. As a child of Iranian parents, she has been inspired by recent protests and demonstrations for freedom in Iran. Her story is a beacon of hope, showing that with hard work and effort, barriers can be broken, and dreams can be achieved.
Marine Lt. Col. Jasmin Moghbeli's journey from a Cobra pilot in Afghanistan to commanding her first space mission is a shining example of resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of dreams.
Her story is not just about reaching for the stars but about inspiring others to break barriers and achieve their goals. Her mission, launching aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, is a symbol of human endeavor and a tribute to all those who dare to dream big.
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