Russian pilot and cosmonaut who flew on multiple space missions, including a 2002 International Space Station expedition, and spent over 200 days in space.
Yury Lonchakov is a Russian cosmonaut who has left an indelible mark on the world of space exploration. With three space missions under his belt, he has spent an impressive 200 days in space and has conducted two spacewalks, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers and the international community.
Born on March 4, 1965, in Balkhash, Dzhezkazkansk Region, Kazakhstan, Lonchakov considers Aktyubinsk as his native city, where he spent his childhood and youth. His parents, Valentin Gavrilovich and Galina Vasilyevna, were geologists who instilled in him a sense of curiosity and adventure.
Lonchakov's educational pursuits took him to the Orenburg Air Force Pilot School, where he graduated with honors in 1986 as a pilot-engineer. He furthered his education at the Zhukovski Air Force Academy, graduating with honors in 1998 as a pilot-engineer-researcher.
Lonchakov's cosmonaut career took off in 1995, when he was selected as a cosmonaut candidate. He underwent rigorous training and preparation, logging over 1400 hours of flight time and becoming a Class 1 Air Force pilot.
His first space mission, Expedition 18, took place in 2008, where he spent 176 days on board the International Space Station (ISS). During this mission, he conducted two spacewalks, demonstrating his exceptional skills and bravery in the face of adversity.
In 2014, Lonchakov became the head of the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, a prestigious position that recognized his expertise and leadership abilities. He held this position until 2017, during which time he oversaw the training of numerous cosmonauts and played a crucial role in shaping the future of Russian space exploration.
Lonchakov's outstanding achievements have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Hero of the Russian Federation medal, the honorary title Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation, and the Order For Merit to the Fatherland IV class.
He has also been decorated with the Medal For Merit in Space Exploration and the NASA Space Flight Medal, acknowledging his contributions to international space cooperation.
Lonchakov is married to Tatiana Alexeevna, and they have one son, Kirill, born in 1990. In his free time, he enjoys reading, tourism, autotourism, downhill skiing, and sport games.
Yury Lonchakov's remarkable career has left an indelible mark on the world of space exploration. His bravery, expertise, and leadership have inspired a new generation of cosmonauts and space enthusiasts, cementing his place as one of the most respected cosmonauts of our time.
As we look to the future of space exploration, Lonchakov's achievements serve as a reminder of the incredible feats that can be accomplished through hard work, determination, and a passion for exploration.
68 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.
68 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.
