A Russian colonel, pilot, and astronaut who spent over 800 days in space, including a 125-day stint on the International Space Station, and holds the record for most time spent in space by a Russian citizen.
Yuri Ivanovich Malenchenko is a retired Russian cosmonaut who etched his name in the annals of space exploration history by becoming the first person to get married in space. This extraordinary feat took place on August 10, 2003, when Malenchenko exchanged vows with Ekaterina Dmitrieva, who was in Texas, while he was 240 miles above New Zealand on the International Space Station (ISS).
As of December 2023, Malenchenko ranks third in career time spent in space, having accumulated a staggering amount of experience on both the Mir and ISS. His impressive space travel record is a testament to his dedication and expertise as a cosmonaut. Malenchenko's achievements have earned him the distinction of being a former commander of the ISS.
Malenchenko was born on December 22, 1961, in Khrushchev, Kirovohrad Oblast, Ukrainian SSR. He is married to Ekaterina Dmitrieva, and the couple has one child together. Malenchenko's educational background includes graduating from the Kharkiv Military Aviation School in 1983 and attending the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy, from which he graduated in 1993.
After graduating from the Military Aviation School, Malenchenko served as a pilot, senior pilot, and multiship flight lead from 1983 to 1987 in the Odessa Region. In 1987, he was selected as a cosmonaut and began his training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. Between 1987 and 1993, Malenchenko underwent a series of training courses, including general space training, advanced training, and preparation for spaceflight.
Malenchenko's spaceflight experience includes training as commander of the Mir-14 reserve crew, backup commander of the Mir-15 crew, and preparation for the Mir-16 mission. His extensive experience in space has made him a renowned figure in the field of cosmonautics.
Yuri Malenchenko's remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the history of space exploration. His pioneering spirit, expertise, and dedication to his craft have inspired generations of cosmonauts and space enthusiasts alike. As a trailblazer in the field of space travel, Malenchenko's legacy will continue to inspire future generations to reach for the stars.
67 Years Old
Russian engineer and astronaut who spent 803 days in space, holding the record for the most time in space until 2015, and was a hero in the Soviet Union. He flew on six space missions and was a key figure in the Russian space program.
72 Years Old
Russian astronaut and engineer who spent 381 days in space, setting a record for the longest single spaceflight, and conducted numerous spacewalks. Known for his contributions to the Russian space program and space exploration.
67 Years Old
Russian colonel, pilot, and astronaut who holds the record for the most time spent in space, with a total of 879 days, and has flown on seven space missions. He is a highly decorated cosmonaut and a veteran of the Russian space program.
