by Mike Matzinger
Kjell Norwood Lindgren, born on January 23, 1973, in Taipei, Taiwan, is an American astronaut, physician, and dedicated Eagle Scout. Raised in a U.S. Air Force family, he spent his early years in Taiwan before moving to the United States and later to the United Kingdom during his childhood. He graduated from James W. Robinson Secondary School in Virginia in 1991 and went on to earn degrees from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado State University, the University of Colorado, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Texas Medical Branch.
Lindgren’s commitment to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) began in his youth and has remained a central part of his life. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and has continued his involvement by serving as an assistant Scoutmaster and outdoor ethics advisor. His passion for conservation and environmental stewardship is deeply rooted in his Scouting experiences. In December 2022, while aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Lindgren delivered a powerful message to the Scouting America National Outdoor Ethics and Conservation Conference, emphasizing the fragility of Earth as observed from space and the importance of preserving it for future generations. In 2025, he spoke to the linked model Wood Badge Course, SBR-25-1, held at The Summit in West Virginia.
Selected as a NASA astronaut in June 2009, Lindgren embarked on his first spaceflight on July 22, 2015, as part of Expedition 44/45 aboard the ISS. During this mission, he conducted two spacewalks and participated in over 100 scientific experiments. He returned to space on April 27, 2022, as the commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4 mission, spending 170 days aboard the ISS. Throughout his missions, Lindgren has been an advocate for environmental conservation, drawing parallels between the care required for the ISS and the stewardship needed for Earth.
Beyond his professional achievements, Lindgren is a licensed amateur radio operator with the call sign KO5MOS and enjoys activities such as running, reading, photography, and engaging in church-related activities. He is married to Kristiana Jones, and they have three children. His life exemplifies a dedication to service, both on Earth and in space, and a commitment to preserving the planet for future generations.