Russian astronauts achieved this record during five space missions.
On Tuesday, June 4th Russian astronaut named Oleg Kononenko, a Russian astronaut has spent 1000 days in space, setting a new record. This achievement was announced by the Russian space agency Roscosmos on Wednesday. Kononenko is now the first person ever to spend such a long time in space.
To reach this milestone, Kononenko has been on five separate trips to the International Space Station (ISS) since 2008. His most recent journey to the ISS was on September 15, 2023, where he traveled alongside NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara and fellow Russian Nikolai Chub.
Kononenko shared his thoughts with the Russian news agency TASS, expressing a sense of accomplishment and pride in his work. He mentioned feeling a sense of achievement in touching the unknown and overcoming milestones during his time in space.
This record highlights the dedication and endurance of astronauts like Kononenko, who spend extended periods away from Earth conducting scientific research and maintaining the space station.
In February 2024, Kononenko broke the record for the most time spent in space by any astronaut. He surpassed the previous record held by Russian astronaut Gennady Padalka, who spent a total of 878 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes, and 48 seconds in space back in 2015.
If Kononenko’s mission had ended on its originally planned date of September 23, 2024, he would have spent a total of 1,110 days in space.
Kononenko mentioned to TASS that his American astronaut colleagues were the first to congratulate him on reaching this significant milestone.
Despite political tensions, the International Space Station (ISS) remains a symbol of international cooperation, particularly between the United States and Russia. Even after Russia’s invasion in February 2022, both countries continue to collaborate closely on the ISS, demonstrating the ability of science and exploration to transcend political differences.
