News: 2011
Sergei news, articles and sightings for 2011.
January
14/1
TsPK: Today in Star City took place a formal post-flight meeting of the ISS-24/25 crew, consisting of Fyodor Yurchikhin (Russia), Shannon Walker (USA) and Douglas Wheelock (USA). At exactly 12:00 the cosmonauts, the leadership of TsPK, and representatives of the Federal Space Agency and related organizations laid flowers at the monument to the first cosmonaut of the Earth, Yuri Gagarin. Sergei congratulated the crew on a successful mission and safe landing. Sergei is in photos: vctre4a, y gagarina, vctypitelnay re4, cnjva, krikalev, vry4enie krikalev.
25/1
TsPK: Today the Bauman Moscow State Technical University opened 35 Academic Readings on space dedicated to the memory of Academician SP Korolev and other prominent local scientists, pioneers of space exploration. Sergei took part in the Readings. He reported on the formation and development of the national system of selection and training of cosmonauts from Yuri Gagarin to the present day. His report gave an estimate of the current state of Russia's system of selecting and training cosmonauts (SOPK/СОПК), its problems and ways to solve them. “Creating a national system of selection and training of cosmonauts is inextricably linked with the landmark flight of Yuri Gagarin made the beginning of the era of manned spaceflight. General Designer SP KorolevIn played a big role in the formation of SOPK; he was the initiator of the Cosmonaut Training Center and outlined the main features of the image created by SOPK.”
28/1
TsPK: Sergei attended a meeting of the Editorial Board marking the 5-year anniversary of the publication of the magazine Russian Space.
31/1
TsPK: The 25th Academic Readings on space took place over 25-27 January 2011 at the Bauman Moscow State Technical University. On January 27 there was a round table on “Youth and the aerospace industry: problems and prospects” with Sergei as one of the lead presenters. He is in photo kryglii stol.
February
1/2
TsPK: Cosmonaut Training Center wishes Happy Birthday to the First Deputy General Designer of RSC Energia, Nikolai Ivanovich Zelenschikov. Sergei is in photos: pozdravlenie, jubilei.
TsPK: Sergei Krikalyov and former cosmonaut Sergei Zalyotin met with the students’ military-patriotic squad named after St George. The meeting took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The children took great interest in the conversation with the cosmonauts, asking about how to become an cosmonaut, and what obstacles must be overcome on the way to space. Sergei Konstantinovich gladly answered all the questions, saying that to become an astronaut is not easy, but possible, and one needs to have excellent health and a good education. Sergey said that the most important aspect is the ability to learn and develop themselves. The cosmonauts spoke about the stages of preparation for a space mission and their work in space. After the meeting, the children received commemorative calendars autographed by the cosmonauts. Photos: rasskaz o kosmose, vruchenie podarkov, avtography, Malenkiy gost, sovmestnoe foto.
8/2
TsPK: Last week ended with a two-day seminar on “Peter in Cosmos”, which took place under the “Weekend in the Cosmos”. Cosmonaut Training Center students visited the military-patriotic club St. George of St. Petersburg. They toured the Star City simulators, met TsPK personnel and visited the Chkalovskii airfield. Sergei is in photo kollektivnoe foto.
10/2
TsPK: Cosmonaut Sergei Ryzhikov and TsPK professionals visited a rally for the preinduction and recruitment of young people in Kirzhach, at the FGUP/ФГУП flight test facility. The holding of such gatherings that involve students in the educational district schools, military and patriotic associations, Vladimir and Yaroslavl region, has become a tradition in Kirzhach. Sergei Krikalyov appears in photo vmeste.
16/2
TsPK: Today, 16 February, at the Cosmonaut Training Center was held the Cathedral Youth Ⅱ Meeting of the World Russian People’s Council, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the first manned space flight. The meeting was organized by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, head of the World Russian People’s Council (WRPC) Kirill, the Cosmonaut Training Center and the Moscow State Technical University, Bauman. Sergei is in photo vistyplenie Krikaleva.
18/2
TsPK: The second annual Media Day – a day in the life of the Cosmonaut Training Center through the eyes of the press. The journalists had the opportunity to see training in neutral buoyancy, see the Soyuz trainers and the Russian segment of ISS, and to attend the simulation training in a centrifuge. They were also able to interview cosmonauts, trainers, experts and crews. Sergei is in photos: krikalev, vmeste.
22/2
TsPK: 23 February is Fatherland Defender’s Day. Since 1993, the Russian Armed Forces have undergone significant qualitative changes in their development and structure, and adopted a new look. They form the basis of national defense and are designed to provide armed protection of the integrity and sovereignty of our state. On 22 February, in connection with the Day of Defender of the Fatherland, the Cosmonaut Training Center held a solemn meeting, at which leaders congratulated servicemen, civilian personnel and cosmonauts on the upcoming holiday. For many years these people have made a significant contribution to science and supported the credibility of Russia as a great space power. In accordance with the order of the TsPK Chief, SK Krikalev, cosmonauts Oleg Novitskii, Aleksander Misurkin, Alex Ovchinin, Eugene Tarelkin, Konstantin Valkov, Dmitri Kondratiev and other staff of the Centre were awarded marks, certificates and diplomas for high performance in professional activities, approximate labor discipline and conscientious performance of official duties.
March
4/3
TsPK: At 8:20 a.m. the ISS-27/28 backup crew reported to the State Commission – the Chairman of the Commission Chief of Cosmonaut Training Center, SK Krikalev, his deputy for the training of cosmonauts OV Kotov, cosmonaut commander V. Lonchakov, a representative of RSC “Energia” EN Zhuka and M. Foale, NASA representative, on the readiness of the crew to train. Then the crew pulled out an envelope with a list of contingencies that they would be presented with during their training. Sergei in photos: Osn, Voprosy pressy.
5/3
TsPK: Training exams for the ISS-27/28 prime and backup crews on the Soyuz TMA simulator. Sergei is in photo Vosem dvadtsat.
TsPK: SK Krikalev on behalf of all men sincerely congratulated the women in the Centre for International Women’s Day on 8/3. The TsPK Chief Head sent female employees a letter of appreciation and awards for outstanding performance in professional activities, hard work and conscientious performance of official duties in the preparation of domestic and foreign cosmonauts. Photos: Krikalev, press.
9/3
TsPK: Yuri Gagarin’s birthday. International social science readings have been held in his home village of Glushino since 1974. Among the honored guests of the 38th Gagarin Lectures were legendary cosmonauts from the first group – AA Leonov, Volynov, Gorbatko – the Head of Cosmonaut Training Center, SK Krikalev, the cosmonaut commander V. Lonchakov, recently returned from a flight and the ISS-27/28 prime and backup crews preparing for flight. By long tradition, guests from Star City went to the cemetery to honor the parents of Yuri and put flowers on their graves. Sergei is in photos: Na kladbishche, Meeting.
10/3
Energiya photo-report: “The General Designers’ Review Board devoted to the Russian Segment (RS) of the International Space Station (ISS) was held at OAO S.P. Korolev Rocket & Space Corporation Energia under the chairmanship of V.A. Lopota, the Corporation President and General Designer.” Sergei appears in photos 3, 14, 20.
11/3
TsPK: ISS-27/28 press conference. Sergei is in photo pk4.
TsPK: Ceremonies commemorating Yuri Gagarin in Smolensk Oblast, in the village where he was born, Glushino. Every year veteran cosmonauts, TsPK personnel and community leaders come to honor the memory of the first cosmonaut. Sergei appears in photo Krikalev govorit.
12/3
TsPK: Traditional visit to Red Square by the ISS-27/28 prime and backup crews, followed by a tea party with the Federal Space Agency Head Anatolii Perminov Nikolaevich. Sergei is in photo chayepitiye.
17/3
TsPK: The Vladimir branch of the Russian Academy of National Economy and the Public Service under the President opened an exhibition space of the Museum on the 50th anniversary of the first manned space flight. Sergei is in photos: gosti vistavki vo vladimire.
18/3
TsPK: Press conference at Star City for the soon-to-depart ISS-25/26 crew. Sergei is in photo ekipazh i rykovodstvo CPK.
21/3
TsPK: After the traditional breakfast and farewell, the ISS-25/26 crew departed from Chkalovskii Airfield near Star City for Baikonur Cosmodrome. Sergei is in photo ekipazg kosmonavti rykovodstvo.
22/3
TsPK: Sergei represented TsPK in Paris, along with deputy TsPK Head cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, for the celebrations dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s flight.
April
1/4
Financial Times: “USSR and Russia: Sergei Krikalev”. Interview with Sergei.
3/4
TsPK: Traditional meeting of the State Commission at Baikonur Cosmodrome, who approve the launching of the main and backup crews. Sergei presented a report on the composition of the main and backup crews. Sergei is in photos: gk1, 22.
5/4
TsPK: Soyuz TMA-21 launches from Baikonur Cosmodrome. Sergei is in photo st9.
8/4
TsPK: The Cosmonaut Training Center notes the international day of human space flight for 12/4. Cosmonaut veterans, Roskosmos and space industry representatives, the administration of the Moscow region, management and staff of the Centre laid flowers at the monument to Y. Gagarin in anticipation of the day. Sergei is in photos: krikalev, Shatalov.
9/4
TsPK: “I am assured, more interested persons will become cosmonauts” – an interview with TsPK chief Sergei Krikalyov. (Also at 63.ru.)
12/4
TsPK: On 9 and 10 April in Kaluga, the international conference “The Man – Earth – Space”, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the space flight of Yuri Gagarin, took place. Sergei is in photos i ewee, konferenvua, priem,
13/4
TsPK: 50th anniversary celebrations at Star City of Yurii Gagarin’s spaceflight. Sergei is in photo prazdnik3.
Random photo of Sergei swimming from another article for that day on cosmonaut fitness training.
14/4
TsPK: A traditional post-flight celebration of the ISS-25/26 crew at Star City. Sergei is in photos mnogo, re4, krik.
21/4
TsPK: Sergei attended the opening of an exhibition on the history of Soviet-Russian space flight in Budapest on 19/4. Sergei in photos: rc_budapest_20.04.11, rc_budapest_20.04.11_2.
23/4
TsPK: Sergei presented awards to the winners of the competition “The Unknown Gagarin”. The competition was organized by the Ministry of Defense, the Department of Education, Moscow Region, TsPK, and the Russian Space Forces. It was attended by students of military schools, Suvorov military schools and Defense Ministry boarding pupils. The works by boys and girls study the unknown biography pages of the first cosmonaut of the planet Earth. One of the nominations of the contest included the construction of current technical models. The ceremony was held in the hall where the simulator of the Mir space station resides. The hall was restored for International Space Day, and now there is mounted a photo exhibition which was opened in the Federation Council on April 5. Sergei Konstantinovich so enthusiastically talked about the spacecraft, flying about, the work on space stations, the guys were ready to listen to it for hours. Sergei in photos: zal11, zal2, zal7.
27/4
TsPK: The Council of Federation Committee on Defence and Security held an expanded meeting on the topic: “The development of space industry in the national security of the Russian Federation” at Star City. SK Krikalev presented his report in which he touched on several important issues related to the activities of the CPC. He said that in the first place, it is the social security for employees of the organization. “The manned space program – is, first of all, people who work here. If we do not seriously raise the salary to employees of the Centre, there is a real risk of loss of skills.” He proposed to consider additional medical insurance. “For the civilian specialists who conduct training, testing works harmful to health, there is no mechanism for compensation.”
Sergei Konstantinovich raised the question of granting an official status certificate (diploma), which is issued to the cosmonauts after the passage of general space training. Krikalev gave special attention to the issue of funding the Center for future development which has been allocated 300 million rubles. These funds was only enough to “fill in old holes.” During his speech, Sergei Konstantinovich noted a contradiction in Federal Law 94, Part 2, Article 55. For example: “In the case of an emergency landing by cosmonauts due to an off-nominal situation (fire, depressurization), the CTC will announce a contest in order to evacuate cosmonauts. These competitions take several weeks.” Sergei in photos: sovet federacii1, sovet federacii2, sovet federacii4, sovet federacii10, sovet federacii11, sovet federacii12.
May
5/5
TsPK: The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Russia, Zautbek Turisbekov (Заутбек Турисбеков), visited the Cosmonaut Training Centre. During the meeting with the head of the Center, Sergei Krikalev, and the first woman-cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, was discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation and interaction in the space industry.
6/5
TsPK: On the eve of the Victory, veterans of the Great Patriotic War were officially congratulated in the Cosmonaut Training Center, having contributed to the work of cosmonaut preparation. In his congratulatory speech to the veterans Sergei Konstantinovich Krikalev spoke. “Dear veterans! Your deeds are beyond time. They were and are a model for living and future generations. Without you there would be this great holiday, Victory Day, as well as of this year’s 50th anniversary since the first human space flight. You have made an invaluable contribution to the space industry and the training of cosmonauts.” Sergei in photo VVOV1.
12/5
TsPK: The ISS-28/29 crews began exams on the Soyuz TMA-M simulator. Sergei in photos: komekztr282921, komekztr282925.
14/5
TsPK: A festive evening devoted to the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s flight was held at the cultural center of the MFA (МИД) of Russia. The invited guests were able to see photographs by Sergei Krikalev. The exposition is called “Art of the Creator” and is a series of photographs taken during space flights. “We should remember and be proud of the achievements of local engineers and scientists, cosmonauts – all those who contributed to the development of world spaceflight,” Sergei said. Photos: mid7, mid8.
17/5
TsPK: ISS-28/29 complete their flight training and the usual press conference was held at Star City. Sergei appears in photos: zavdenpod28291, zavdenpod28292.
18/5
TsPK: Today marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of Soyuz TM-12 with the Expedition 9 crew to the station Mir. The crew were Commander Anatoly Pavlovich Artsebarskii, flight engineer Sergei Krikalev and British female astronaut Helen Sharman. Helen Sharman attended the anniversary at TsPK in this photo with Sergei.
25/5
TsPK: The Federation Council inaugurated the photoexposition “Art of the Creator” by Hero of the Soviet Union, Hero of Russia, cosmonaut, an honorary member of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain, winner of National Award in Photography “Golden Eye of Russia” – Sergei Krikalev. The opening was attended by members of the Federation Council, cosmonauts Vladimir Dzhanibekov, Boris Volynov, Yuri Baturin, representatives of the Office of the President of the Russian Federation and prominent cultural figures. Viktor Ozerov, chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security, greeted the audience. He said: “If a person is talented, he is talented in everything. It is necessary that many people see this work – it is the key to the future of the domestic space, it is an impulse to awakening the interest of young people and children to the cosmos. Sergei Krikalev could not just take pictures of Earth from orbit and put the soul, to show the unique, wonderful moments and landscapes. To all of us with you to understand how beautiful, how unique our planet.”
Pilot-Cosmonaut Vladimir Dzhanibekov noted his colleague’s remarkable ability to catch the right angle to make the perfect shot. “More than one thousand five hundred people in the world have visited the Space Station. They also took photos, but Sergei Krikalev took them in a manner that was second to none. It is labor and the artist’s talent,” said Vladimir. The cosmonaut’s camera captures the erupting volcano and sandstorms, forming hurricanes and typhoons, and even local man-made disasters. Sergei Konstantinovich himself, speaking at the opening ceremony, said about the uniqueness of the Earth, which he observed, “We look at the stars from Earth, into space. And once there, we have as much interest in looking at the Earth. We see the most unique images that can only be observed from orbit, and wish that all people could see it.” Photos: 11584, v2.
26/5
TsPK: Sergei took part in the World Russian People’s Council. Sergei Krikalev, speaking at a meeting of the Council, noted that the cosmonaut training center is already working with the World Russian People’s Council. “This year in February on the basis of our Youth Center held a meeting of the Cathedral. We have assembled the best students of science and technology universities, the future designers, engineers, inventors. Now you can hold meetings and discussions between people of the humanitarian, scientific and technical knowledge, whose purpose is to search for answers to global issues facing Russia and the world.” He added that, unfortunately, many of the values have now become blurred and it jeopardizes the ability to save our priorities, achieved in previous years. “The loss of values is most dangerous to young people. In order to be able to acquaint the younger generation with the achievements of space science, to teach them to create new technologies, in the Cosmonaut Training Center created the Youth Space Centre. We realize that the education of morality should be as important a challenge as the transfer of knowledge. Our challenge is to educate not only knows the working person, but a complete person, living consciously, soulfully, benefiting not only themselves but also their neighbors and Fatherland.” Photo: sobor260511.
TsPK: Cosmonaut Dmitrii Kondrat’ev held a press conference at the Cosmonaut Training Center. Sergei added: “We watched the landing, the calculation accuracy was good. The capsule went down and stood upright on its tracks, and had not the slightest ‘drift’.” Photo: S_Krikalyov.
June
8/6
TsPK: Departure of Soyuz TMA-02M crew from Baikonur. Sergei appears in photo st15.
29/6
TsPK: Post-flight press conference and traditional welcome meal for the ISS-26/27 crew at the Cosmonaut Training Center. Sergei appears in photos: IMG_9603, IMG_9595, IMG_9550, vstrecha3, vstrecha6, vstrecha7, vstrecha11.
July
14/7
BBC News: “On the shoulders of space giants”.
15/7
Independent: “Sergei Krikalev believes in a starry future”.
25/7
TsPK: Sergei visited the Drakino airfield for the 20th anniversary championship of Russian aircraft sports. He spoke to those present at the Championship and the Serpukhov District Head, Alexander Shestunom. They discussed the further development of sport flying in the area and prospects for Russian and international competitions. Photo: shestun_krikalev_p.
26/7
TsPK: Sergei headed a seminar for young professionals – “Cosmonaut Training Center. Yesterday. Today. tomorrow.” Professionals who work at CTC no more than six months, had an opportunity to learn in detail about the specifics of the agency where they work, and to see the base, which is the basis of preparation of domestic and foreign cosmonauts. Sergei appears in photos: Beginning, Pavlovskij i Krikalev.
An exhibition, “Earth through the porthole”, based on some of Sergei’s space photos, is held at the Engineering building fortress in St. Petersburg. A trivia note is that Sergei is a honorary fellow of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain.
September
1/9
TsPK: The ISS-29/30 crew begin their comprehensive exam training. Sergei appears in photos 31R_9689, 31R_9727, 31R_9804.
5/9
TsPK: Sergei attended the 24th Congress of the Association of Planetary Space Flight Participants in the Cosmos Hotel, Moscow. He appears in photos kongress_24_6, kongress_24_7.
9/9
TsPK: A tour of the Cosmonaut Traning Center for representatives of the British media. Sergei appears in photo: britan-cmi_5.
13/9
Sergei was in Kaluga, participating in memorial services and readings at the Kaluga Administration Region’s Town Hall for Konstantin Tsiolkovsky (whose birthday is 17 September). Sergei presented a report, “50 years of manned space flight: analysis and perspectives” («50 лет пилотируемых полетов в космос: анализ и перспективы развития»). (Source: NK)
16/9
Energiya photo-report: “At 07:59:39 AM, Moscow Time, Soyuz TMA-21 descent vehicle made a soft landing in the designated landing area to the South-East of Dzhezkazgan in Kazakhstan.” Sergei was watching from TsUP (Mission Control Center) in Moscow, and appears in photos 7 and 9.
TsPK: Sergei appears in photo tarhan_3 at TsUP, and greeting the crew at Star City in photo zv-gorodok_4.
19/9
TsPK: Soyuz TMA-21/ISS-27/28 crew press conference at Star City. Sergei appears in photos: press_1, press_4, press_6, press_7, press_8.
October
3/10
TsPK: On 2/10 the traditional open tournament in rhythmic gymnastics, “Rainbow Autumn”, was held at the GCTC Sports Complex. The tournament was attended by teams from different cities of Russia: Samara, Akhtubinsk, Syktyvkar, Sosnovy Bor, Dzerzhinsk, Moscow and Moscow region. Sergei Konstantinovich congratulated participants of the competition and wished them luck. He noted the skill and the excellent preparation of the speakers, expressed appreciation to the coaches and congratulated them on their coming professional holiday – Day of the teacher. “Coaches, like teachers, are making an invaluable contribution to the children’s future.” Sergei appears in photos gimnast_2, gimnast_3, gimnast_4.
7/10
TsPK: A traditional meeting and celebration of the recently-returned ISS-27/28 crew at Star City. Sergei is in photo polet-off_2
TsPK: The crew also laid flowers at the monument to Yurii Gagarin. Sergei is in photo geroi_1.
18/10
TsPK: The International Space Forum was held in the Cosmonaut Training Center, the first time it took place there. Sergei welcomed the guests and wished them successful and fruitful work. “It is hoped that the forum will share their ideas and expectations in terms of near-earth space and provide long-term projects for the implementation of interplanetary missions.” During the period of the forum to hold two scientific conferences will be held: “Manned space flight” (FGBU “Research Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin”, ФГБУ «НИИ ЦПК имени Ю.А. Гагарина») and “Actual problems of space biology and medicine” with the satellite symposium “Life-support systems for manned space flight” (RAN, РАН). Sergei is in photos forum_1, forum_2.
TsPK: The organizers and special guests of Space Forum 2011 answered questions from journalists.
“With the development of civilization, from the first manned mission to space science took a big step forward, which resulted in prolonged space flights on the constantly manned International Space Station. In connection with this complicated problem facing astronauts are increased demands on their health. Conquerors of Space, you must have a very extensive knowledge in various fields. If from the beginning of preparation before the first manned space flight took place only a year, it is now preparing itself for a space flight lasts 1.5 to 2 years,” said SK Krikalev. […]
The final question of the journalists had been addressed to SK Krikalev. He was asked to comment on the possibility of development of the Moon, near-Moon space, a lunar manned lunar bases and facilities (this topic was raised in the report of the Cosmonaut Training Center, “Human missions from Yuri Gagarin to the ISS and to fly in deep space”.)
“Given the current level of science and technology in the future the Moon can become a platform for testing Mars exploration technologies, and perform other manned missions in the solar system. The main requirement for manned missions to the Moon or Mars is to ensure safety of the crew, which must take into account a number of features. For example, for the Moon are: lack of an atmosphere, high radiation, temperature drop; for Mars: a significant distance from the Earth, the need for a powerful power plants, possibly radiation and bacteriological danger.
“Interesting data were obtained from the Japanese satellite ‘Kaguya’, who discovered the hole on the lunar surface diameter of 65 m and a depth of 100 m. If once volcanic processes occured on the Moon was, these holes can be input into the lava tunnels. If in such a tunnel to place living and working compartments, it can be reliably protected from exposure to radiation and to decide, therefore, one of the most important problems of life on the Moon. The temperature inside the tunnel at a thickness of 1-2 m set can be stable at −30 to −40°C. It is also important for life support.
“There are several possible ways to build a lunar base in a lava tunnel. In our opinion, the most effective and safest would be to use inflatable structures for the formation of the main residential and business sections of the lunar base. Optimum could be considered a development of such tunnels, and boost placement of modules could be performed by robots with minimal involvement of astronauts or no. The share of astronauts could be assigned functions such as their re-entry, assembly, bringing into operation the service, scientific, and household equipment.”
Sergei is in photos cosm_forum_1; cosm_forum_2, cosm_forum_8.
21/10
Energiya photo-report: A session of the Council of Chief Designers for the Russian Segment of the International Space Station. Sergei appears in photos photo_10-21-03, photo_10-21-10, photo_10-21-24.
Sergei was apparently not too impressed by the soon to be completed Mars-500 experiment, as quoted in the Wired.com article “Guys in a Capsule”:
In Russia, I encountered deeper skepticism among cosmonauts, who tend to live just outside Moscow in an elegant, tree-lined enclave known as Star City. When I ventured there one day, I spoke to Sergei Krikalev, who has spent 803 days in outer space – more than any other human being – and he scoffed at Mars500. “If you spend 500 days sitting in a chair,” he asked, “does that make you a race car driver?”
24/10
TsPK: Press conference with the ISS-29/30 crew. Sergei is in photos pressa_1, pressa_4, pressa_7.
26/10
TsPK: In the Cosmonaut Training Center a meeting of young diplomats from the Russian Foreign Ministry and the international diplomatic community took place, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the flight of Yuri Gagarin into space. Sergei appears in photo 1026_diplomat_7.
November
3/11
TsPK: On the eve of the All-Russian Festival “Unity Day” in the large conference hall of the Presidential Administration VI was held the “Russian of the year” ceremony for the National Prize of public recognition of the achievements of citizens of the Russian Federation. For outstanding contribution to the development of Russian spaceflight, the prize “Russian of the Year” was awarded to Sergei K. Krikalev.
7/11
TsPK: Kazakhstan Prime Minister K.K. Masimov visited several enterprises and organizations of missile and space industry including the Cosmonaut Training Center. He was given a tour by Sergei.
12/11
TsPK: After the state commission approved the composition of the ISS-29/30 primary and backup crews, cosmonauts talked over a cup of tea with the leaders of the Russian Space Agency. Sergei appears in photo chaepitie1.
13/11
Energiya photo-report: The State Commission held its meeting at Baikonur launch site where the primary and backup crews for Soyuz TMA-22 were approved and the readiness of the space launcher system was confirmed. Sergei appears in photos 1, 12.
14/11
TsPK: Soyuz TMA-22 is launched on a snowy morning at Baikonur. Sergei appears in photos start14,start15.
22/11
TsPK: The ISS-28/29/Soyuz TMA-22 crew are welcomed back to Star City. Sergei appears in photos IMG_0363, IMG_0381.
24/11
TsPK: Sergei gives champion boxer Kostya Tszyu (who resides in Australia) a tour of the GCTC. Sergei appears in photos kosta1, kosta2, kosta3.
25/11
TsPK: Press conference with Soyuz TMA-22 commander Sergei Volkov. Their thoughts on the Progress M-12M/44 accident and Mars-500 experiment (slightly corrected Google translation):
Members of the media: What were your feelings when the accident occurred with the Progress? Maybe if it was leaving the Station in an emergency ?
Sergei Volkov: Very sorry to lose the ship. Not because there lay the goods, parcels – all in the end. It's a pity that the accident occurred and the cause was not immediately clear. It's great that we managed to understand and successfully launch the following Progress, albeit with some delay. For the fact that the crew successfully launched and flew, honor and praise to the large number of employees the space industry. Thank you very much! When we learned that the ship did not come, we immediately understood that there would be some changes in the program. There was a lot of questions about how, in what part we will fly, will folks still be with us for six weeks. Our part of the crew, because at that moment was still far from the landing, knew that in any case, we fly up to November. We are with Michael and Satoshi knew how much we are told, so we are going to fly. Our Soyuz could fly until mid-January. So at the moment, if we were told that we would fly up to January, we would fly up to January, and it was taken for granted. As I said before, we did not want to leave the Station unmanned. For the guys who were going to Earth, it was two-fold situation. On the one hand, the well still fly if given the chance, but on the other hand, the home you want. But they are easy enough to react to all this and were also more willing to stay until mid-October. Then, when it was decided that they come down in time, we are with Michael and Satoshi only three remained close the program and do the three of us that have been done six of them. We have tried to do everything.
Sergei Krikalev: A lot of work was done to be sure the next launch vehicle would be possible. A huge amount of groundwork was audited. Complete missiles, ready for takeoff from the airport, Kourou, was returned for tests to be sure that some obstacles to accomplish the mission there. The successful launch of the spaceship was a condition for the start of the next crew, it also became the reason that the landing of the crew of Sergei was delayed for a week. There was much work. The possibility of immediate escape from the Station, which the Americans say, means the normal elaboration of emergency situations. This opportunity we mean always, and when we trained with Sergei. [2003 S. Volkov and Krikalev C. together in preparing the crew of shuttle STS-114; because of a change of mission their flight did not take place. – Ed.] For the crews, who are preparing now, the opportunity for emergency egress from the Station is always provided to avoid some trouble after leaving the Station in a standalone mode. Of course, there is much preparatory work that needs to be done with us and the Americans. Another thing is that we may be sooner realized that everything is going well, and stopped the works, but the Americans just before the last days before the arrival of the crew from the Earth provide for emergency Station egress. Despite the fact that the ship was physically able to fly even a little longer, the search terms in the time of landing were such that the transfer to a later start time was not possible. Guys were flying so much more, as far as possible without risk and excesses.
Korolev TV: There is a proposal to use the ISS to continue the experiment, the Mars-500. Do you think that might make useful astronauts for this experiment?
Sergei Volkov: If we look at the history of the problem, our cosmonaut Valery Polyakov spent 438 days. He flew with my father and completed his flight with Sergei Konstantinovich Krikalev. An example of a long stay in space is already there. If we are talking about resource use ISS in preparation for flight to Mars, it seems to me that you can use professional cosmonauts much more seriously, despite the fact that we do not fly 500 and not 400 days. Now the average flight duration is about 160 days. The crew – this is in any case, a closed group, which lives in the real atmosphere, a long flight. Send a special crew to the ISS, which will be there 500 days in isolation – I honestly have no idea how to do it. To isolate them, you need a separate module that will allow all to live in it. So, this is another service module, even the segment in which the crew must be provided livelihoods. If we are talking about 500 days of isolation, even if we take only the food, the crew will fly, while between the containers, and then they these containers would be “eat away” and fill out their garbage. We still have to open the hatch, and then the purity of the experiment will be broken.
Sergei Krikalev: You have to understand how to do this experiment and why. If you raise the question whether a person just to spend a long time in space, the flight of Polyakov, which lasted one year and two months, has already said everything. In total, several people have already exceeded two years in orbit. The same 500 days already exceeded many in total. At the moment there is no more materiel that is ready to fly to Mars, and say how much the flight will last – 500 days, 600 or 300 – still very early. I was present at the output of the crew of the Mars-500 experiment. Indeed, it is very interesting, gives additional knowledge on the behavior and interaction of people in a confined space, the effectiveness of their work, although some of the techniques and equipment for a flight to Mars, of course, there is not perfected. Was worked out a change of activity, something like a long mission, and it will not necessarily be to Mars. There are different options, for example, it may be to one of the asteroids. Regarding the use of the Station for the purpose of long distant expeditions, it is possible, and we are talking about this for a long time. “Let's just put him at the Station people, so they sat there” – this is the most unproductive part in preparing for the Mars mission. Much more interesting is the development of techniques for autonomous flight, when decisions are taken on board, not when every step of the flight following “Earth” and the crew asks questions about every single nut, and if we turn off communication for a week and work autonomously. These programs have been trained for more in the 80s, when the Station flew without a continuous connection, and discussed whether the flight of the shuttle Buran was to be autonomous. Accordingly, the training of the crew must be different. And the people, and equipment must be prepared to work independently. There are many tasks that need work. If we talk about the real preparation for the long flight, then I think there is much that needs to be done, what methods and techniques to create and improve. As to whether people stay long there, no doubt. After a short expedition by Igor Volk to the Station “Salyut”, it was found that the pilot can, how to change his professional and other characteristics after space flight. It all worked out in preparation for a flight by Buran. This is comparable to the way people from the flight will operate on the surface of Mars or other objects. Maybe there will be a flight to an asteroid. With such hard work we have encountered in flight with Alexander Volkov. I was out after six months in orbit, and we have worked even though Sasha was a failure in the suit. We had a lot of work. Such development will allow new information and improve the technique and methodology for future long-duration missions.
December
1/12
TsPK: Press conference for ISS-30/31 prime and backup crews. Sergei is in photos Press-konferencia.7, Press-konferencia.8.
15/12
TsPK: Expedition 28/29 are honored at the Cosmonaut Training Center. Sergei appears in photos vstrecha.28-29.2, vstrecha.5, vctrecha.28-29.7.
21/12
Energiya, TsPK: Meeting of the State Commission to approve the primary and backup crews for Soyuz TMA-03M and confirm the readiness of the space launcher system. Sergei is in photos: start1, 12-20-07.
22/12
TsPK: Launch of Soyuz TMA-03M at Baikonur. Sergei is in photos start30315, start30317.
26/12
TsPK: Sergei attended the awards for the finalists of the “Youth Space Vision” art competition, held at the GCTC. Sergei appears in photo DSC_32561.
TsPK: A charity tournament in rhythmic gymnastics was held at the GCTC sports complex. Sergei Krikalev, Russian cosmonaut Maksim Suraev and test cosmonaut Maksim Ponomarev were the guests of honor, and presented awards to the winners. Sergei appears in photos nagradi_343, nagradi_334, nagradi_340, nagradi_354.2.
27/12
TsPK: 70th birthday of cosmonaut training instructor Igor Ivanovich Sukhorukov. Sergei appears in photo syxorykov3.
28/12
TsPK: End-of-year breakup at the GCTC. Sergei appears in photos 1, 3, 5.
Head of CPC Sergei K. Krikalev said the most significant events in the organization in 2011 to the year. For the Cosmonaut Training Center, he was difficult, rewarding and rich with bright events.
Sergei Konstantinovich noted the challenges that faced the CPC workers in the past year on the training of Russian and foreign cosmonauts and astronauts, research and testing, development and improvement of Yuri Gagarin Cosmonauts’ Training Center database, the plan of events dedicated to the fiftieth anniversary of space flight, the first cosmonaut of the Earth Y.A. Gagarin. Summing up this year, Sergei said that basically all set for the organization goals were achieved.
In conclusion, the ceremonial event, Sergei K. thanked all the staff of the Center for a good job, congratulated the New Year and wished them good health, happiness and success in work and family well-being!