Kayla Barron

Kayla Jane Barron (born September 19, 1987; LCDR, USN) is an American submarine warfare officer and NASA astronaut.

Kayla Barron
Born
Kayla Jane Sax

(1987-09-19) September 19, 1987
Pocatello, Idaho, U.S.
StatusActive
Alma materUnited States Naval Academy (BS)
Peterhouse, Cambridge (MPhil)
Space career
NASA Astronaut
Current occupation
Engineer
RankLieutenant Commander, USN
SelectionNASA Group 22
MissionsSpaceX Crew-3 (planned)

Early life and education

Kayla Barron was born on September 19, 1987 in Pocatello, Idaho to Lauri and Scott Sax. Her family moved to Richland, Washington, where she graduated from Richland High School in 2006. After high school, Barron attended the United States Naval Academy, where she graduated in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in systems engineering.[1][2] While at the Naval Academy, Barron was a member of the Midshipmen cross country and track teams.[3] Following her graduation, Barron attended Peterhouse, Cambridge on a Gates Cambridge Scholarship[4] where she earned a master's degree in nuclear engineering.[1]

Military career

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.[1]

NASA career

In June 2017, Barron was selected as a member of NASA Astronaut Group 22, and began her two-year training.[1] She was the fifth female Naval Academy graduate selected as an astronaut candidate.

Personal life

Barron is married to Tom Barron, a US Army Special Forces officer.[5] She enjoys hiking, backpacking, running, and reading.[1]

Honors

Barron was a Trident Scholar and Distinguished Graduate at the Naval Academy, and a Gates Cambridge Scholar at Cambridge.[1]

Awards

Warfare insignia
Submarine Warfare Insignia (Dolphins)[6]

Decorations and medals
Navy Commendation Medal
Navy Achievement Medal

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration document: Mark Garcia. "Astronaut Candidate Kayla Barron". Retrieved September 20, 2018. (Official NASA biography)

  1. Garcia, Mark (7 February 2018). "Astronaut Candidate Kayla Barron". National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  2. "Kayla Sax Barron". Spacefacts. 18 April 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  3. "Former Navy track athlete Kayla Barron selected to 2017 NASA astronaut candidate class". The Patriot League. 8 June 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  4. "Profile". Archived from the original on April 27, 2020.
  5. Marbella, Jean (June 9, 2017). "Naval Academy grad, aide one of 12 new astronaut candidates". baltimoresun.com. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  6. Qualification badge * Submarine Qualification Insignia, a.k.a. "Dolphins"
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