What happened
NASA astronaut Jonny Kim is leaving the agency after nearly a decade of service. His last day at NASA is Thursday, according to a NASA news release. Kim will continue his career as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy.
Kim's time at NASA included an eight-month science expedition aboard the International Space Station. He launched to the station in April 2025 aboard the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft.
Why it matters
Kim's departure highlights the career paths available to astronauts, who often maintain military commitments alongside their spaceflight duties. His return to the Navy reflects the ongoing partnership between NASA and the armed forces in human spaceflight.