Kayla Barron

Kayla Barron is best known for being a member of the SpaceX Crew-3 Expedition 66/67, having begun her training as part of the NASA Astronaut Group 22 in 2017. Launched aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon ‘Endurance’ to the International Space Station, Kayla spent an impressive 177 days in space testing her endurance and abilities as a flight engineer. With former experience in the Navy, Kayla is now highly sought after as a keynote speaker to share her inspirational story – detailing her mission to the International Space Station and her time in space.

Having achieved a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy, Kayla was awarded a Gates Cambridge Scholarship to study for a Master of Philosophy in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Cambridge – focussing her research on anthropogenic climate change. Having completed her education, Kayla then became a Submarine Warfare Officer in the US Navy, commissioned to serve on the USS Maine. Having completed three patrols as a division officer, Kayla was then selected to become the Flag Aide to the Superintendent at the Naval Academy. Having made headlines as one of the first women to be commissioned to the submarine service, Kayla was then selected to become a member of the NASA Astronaut Group 22 in 2017, completing training for the following two years – the 5th Naval Academy female graduate to be selected to join NASA.

Having been launched into space aboard Endurance, Kayla spent the next 177 days in space, before landing in the Gulf of Mexico on the 6th of May 2022 – awarded the NASA Astronaut Gold Pin in recognition of her spaceflight. Throughout her education and career, Kayla has been the recipient of countless awards, including the Trident Scholar and Distinguished Graduate awards during her studies at the Naval Academy. She has also been awarded the Submarine Warfare Insignia, the SSBN Deterrent Patrol Insignia, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Navy E Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon and the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon with Sharpshooter Device.

Having reached the rank of Lieutenant Commander of the US Navy, Kayla is a highly respected figure in both space exploration and the military. With such an inspirational story to tell, Kayla is now highly sought after as a keynote speaker, hired time and time again to share the story of her distinguished career as a Submarine Warfare Officer and as an Astronaut of the SpaceX Crew-3 Expedition 66/67. If you are looking for a speaker who will have audiences fascinated with their incredible stories of space exploration, don’t hesitate in hiring Kayla Barron today!