Where astronauts prepare for flight. Cosmonaut training

This is a set of measures aimed at developing and maintaining in cosmonauts a set of specific knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for the reliable and safe fulfillment of a space flight program and which form the basis of an astronaut's qualification.

Astronaut training consists of the following stages:

• the first one is the general space training of cosmonaut candidates;
• the second is the training of cosmonauts as part of specialization and improvement groups according to the types of spacecraft or areas of specialization;
• the third is the training of cosmonauts as part of approved crews for a specific flight to the spacecraft;
• the fourth is the training of crews on board the spacecraft during the space flight.

General space training aims to acquire astronaut candidates knowledge, skills, abilities and qualities that form the basis of the profession of astronauts. In the process of this training, cosmonaut candidates develop deep and stable knowledge in the field of sciences that form the basis of astronautics (the theory of spacecraft flight, control systems, the basics of space navigation, the principles of creating spacecraft and launch vehicles, launch complexes, etc.), knowledge of the basic spacecraft and its systems, as well as developing primary skills in the operation of these systems. Acquisition of basic knowledge scientific research and experiments and the basics of testing space technology.

Main goals group training are improvement professional qualities cosmonauts, their specialization in certain types of spacecraft and the formation of skills for their operation, the development of methods for monitoring the state and maintaining health and maintaining high performance. During this training, astronauts acquire the knowledge and practical experience necessary for training as crew members.

At the third stage of preparation - in the crew, the astronauts develop stable skills for the implementation of the program of the upcoming space flight. In the process of preparation, specific features of the spacecraft and the rules for its operation, the flight program, on-board documentation are studied.

On the simulators and stands, the skills of interaction between the crew members during the implementation of the elements of the space flight program, including in emergency situations, are practiced. Implementation methods are being developed scientific experiments and research.

Training programs for cosmonauts at all stages are formed from individual types of training in the composition and scope, determined by the goals and objectives of training at this stage of the corresponding group and crew.

Cosmonaut training includes the following types:

• technical training on on-board systems and equipment of the spacecraft;
• preparation of cosmonauts for scientific and applied research, experiments and applied work;
• comprehensive training of spacecraft crews;
• preparation for extravehicular activity (VKD);
• biomedical training;
• preparation for actions during landing in extreme conditions of various climatic and geographical zones;
• flight and special parachute training of cosmonauts;
• psychological preparation;
• humanitarian training.

SPACE FLIGHTS AND COSMONAUTE PLAQUE

The total number of spacecraft launches with cosmonauts trained at the CTC was 145 . The most record in terms of the number of starts were 1980, 1997 and 2000. - on 6 starts, and in 2001 - 8 starts. Total visited orbit 290 cosmonauts and astronauts trained at the CTC, including:

• Krikalev S.K., Malenchenko Yu.I. - committed 6 space flights;
• Dzhanibekov V.A., Solovyov A.Ya., Strekalov G.M., Padalka G.I., Yurchikhin Yu.N. - made by 5 space flights;
• 7 astronauts have made 4 space flight;
• 30 astronauts have made 3 space flight;
• 2 astronaut made by 3 space flight;
• 12 astronauts have made 2 space flights.

Two cosmonauts completed 6 space flights: Malenchenko Yu.I. spent in orbit - 827 days; Krikalev S.K. spent in orbit - 804 days. Cosmonaut Padalka G.I. committed 5 space flights and spent in orbit 878 days. The longest flight was made by cosmonaut Polyakov V.V. - 438 days.

PREPARED EXPEDITIONS

For the period from 1961 to May 2019, there were 8 orbital complexes. Orbital complex "Mir" was in orbit 5510 days - more 15 years. The total flight time of expeditions at the Mir complex amounted to 12 348 man-days ( 33,83 of the year). Prepared under the ISS program 59 major expeditions and 18 visiting expeditions.

EXITS TO SPACE

During the flights it was made 155 exit into space. Total astronauts spent in outer space 1410 man-hour. Solovyov A.Ya. most of all went into space. - 16 exits with a total duration 3 days 7 hours 2 minutes 11 exits were made by Avdeev S.V., according to 10 exits were made by Serebrov A.A. and Onufrienko Yu.I.

Hero of Russia, pilot-cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin on how to fulfill your dream, if not everything works out the first time (spoiler - you need to try again), and how to play sports in space.

Anatoly Ivanishin

As a child, I did not think about becoming an astronaut - I wanted to be a pilot, I dreamed of flying. This is my favorite thing, and it remains so to this day. Therefore, after school, I decided to enter an aviation school. But the first time it didn’t work out - he didn’t pass the medical examination for vision. whole year did special exercises for the eyes in order to enter on the second attempt. And he did.

In the astronauts, too, did not get the first time. But here it was no longer vision that interfered - growth interfered. It turned out to be a bit tall - 1 meter 82 centimeters. Such tall astronauts were not taken. The restrictions were lifted only a few years later. All this time I did not lose hope that someday I would still fly into space. Tried to pass the commission again. And everything worked out.

25 seconds of weightlessness

Preparation of an astronaut for a flight can take a long time. Even final stage, when you are already preparing as part of the crew with which you must fly, it takes about two and a half years. On Earth, an astronaut has a formally normal eight-hour working day. But that's not enough for me. Not enough for everyone, I think. There is a lot to learn, a lot to prepare for. Control systems, the basics of navigation, preparation for work on the ISS and conducting experiments (after all, we are even learning to take blood samples for analysis from ourselves - once on the ISS I was only able to do this once from the sixth). Practicing behavior skills on a spaceship and space station. English must be in high level so that you can freely communicate with astronauts from other countries. Physical training, of course. I have always played a lot of sports: athletics, swimming, parachuting- more than 500 parachute jumps. Astronauts add specialized training to general physical activity. For example, preparation for stay in weightlessness. It is possible to create conditions of weightlessness on Earth, for example, on an Il-76 MDK aircraft specially adapted for this purpose. The state of free flight in it is achieved due to the movement of the aircraft along a special trajectory and lasts approximately 25 seconds. For one flight, such a weightless mode can be performed about ten times. At the same time, it is absolutely safe inside the aircraft - all the walls are upholstered with soft materials.

Special trainings are also developed in case of emergency situations during landing. Astronauts learn what to do if the lander lands on the water, how to survive in the wild and be able to wait for rescuers even in very cold weather.

When he was on the ISS, he trained a lot so that his muscles worked. But the sensations when returning to Earth are still the same, as if you are learning to walk again.

Star bike path and hot towels

Photo by Anatoly Ivanishin taken from the ISS

During adaptation to weightlessness, a person experiences space sickness. The reason is that our vestibular apparatus is not adapted to stay in this state. The symptoms of space sickness are similar to seasickness - nausea, dizziness, headache. The intensity of sensations is different in each case. Someone has to resort to medicines, for example, I managed it myself. The vestibular apparatus takes a long time to get used to returning to Earth. Previously, when I saw that after landing people can barely take two steps, I thought that they did not train enough while they were on the ISS, and now their muscles are failing. Therefore, when I was on the International Space Station, I approached training very seriously - I did a lot. But the sensations when returning to Earth are still the same, as if you are learning to walk again. And you can't do anything about it.

The first time I spent 165 days in space, the second - 115. That's quite a lot. When an astronaut stays in a state of weightlessness for a long time, he needs to play sports for several hours a day, otherwise the muscles do not get enough work. The ISS has Treadmill. To practice on it, you need to fix yourself with special belts - otherwise you will just move your feet in the air. Bindings also help to get the effect of training, similar to training on Earth. There is an exercise bike. And in the American segment there is also a transforming power simulator, adapted for several types of exercises at once: presses, pulls, squats. One of them is very insidious - lifting on toes. There, before execution, it is necessary to fix the barbell in a certain way. Everyone forgets about this from time to time, of course. Even the warning sticker on the machine itself does not help. I kind of forgot too. Oh, I spent a lot of energy when I got out of there later. And after all, you won’t call anyone for help - the ventilation is very noisy, and the station is large, the size of a football field. I had to deal with it myself.

Classes on the ISS power simulator

On the final stages flight we do additional exercises. For example, about a month before returning to Earth, astronauts periodically put on a special device: it looks like pants and is called "Chibis". This is a special load suit in which a vacuum is created to ensure the outflow of blood to the legs. So we gradually get used to earthly conditions.

Another "suit" is called "Penguin". It loads the human skeleton. What is this for? Under conditions of weightlessness, the entire load is removed from the spine, the natural curves are straightened, the spine is extended. And a person grows in space - he can add 5-6 centimeters. This is not very good, especially considering that the suit and a special seat for spaceship, in which the astronaut will return to Earth, is made to individual measurements. When we wear the Penguin, special rubber bands load the spine and gradually return the astronaut to his usual parameters.

Of course, astronauts are tense before launch. Yes, all emergency situations have been worked out, everything is ready. But there is still excitement - it's not like taking a taxi to work.

Shower after workout? Of course it is possible. Only as such there is no soul on the ISS. There are soaps, shampoos and towels that are soaked in hot water. This towel replaces our bath.

Concentrate on work so as not to be afraid

People ask me what I felt when I first saw the Earth from the window of a spaceship. And I answer that there was no time to admire. There is a lot of work during the first hours of the flight. Yes, and it is not recommended to observe the Earth from the porthole of a ship - this will only increase space sickness. I watched from the station, of course. Especially to his native Irkutsk. I photographed a lot during the first expedition. But I'm not a very impressionable person. And I think that for an astronaut this is more of a plus than a minus. Space leaves few opportunities for emotions - too much work. I dreamed that I would fly to the ISS and read a book there, but there was no time even for that. I slept there easily - after a five-hour sleep I felt vigorous. But even when I got up early, time seemed to go by too fast because of how busy I was.

Oleg Artemiev. Photo: website / Alexander Avilov

Space travel is work. Complex, requiring great endurance, diligence and extensive knowledge. Sometimes, from the beginning of training to being assigned to the crew on the ISS, it takes not two or three years, but ten years. On Earth, cosmonauts are constantly studying, taking exams, learning new techniques. A. Gagarin learned from Oleg Artemiev, who made one flight to the station, about what happens in the isolation chamber and why they solve problems without opening the parachute.

BASICS OF SPACE PREPARATION

- Before you start your journey into space, a person must get into the cosmonaut corps. What qualities are important for a candidate?

- Now applicants over 33 years old are not taken. A person must be healthy, have the ability to learn, patience and a good memory. Need to graduate educational institution, preferably an aviation school or a technical university - Bauman Moscow State Technical University, MAI, MEPhI. Among Russian cosmonauts there are many graduates of aviation schools (Kachinsky Higher Military Aviation School for Pilots, Kharkov Higher Military Aviation School for Pilots named after S.I. Gritsevets, Orenburg Red Banner Military Aviation School for Pilots named after I.S. Polbin and others), MAI, Baumanka, Moscow State University.

- Do they take humanities as astronauts?

- Now yes. Previously, there was an industry recruitment - cosmonauts came from the Ministry of Defense, RSC Energia, where ships are manufactured. At the Institute of Biomedical Problems, the cosmonaut detachment consisted of three people, one cosmonaut each from the Progress RCC, where rockets are built, and the M.V. Khrunichev. In 2012, an open competition was announced to select candidates for the Roscosmos cosmonaut corps. Then eight people were enrolled in the detachment different specialties. Half are humanities.

- After the applicant has successfully passed all the stages of selection - a medical examination, a technical exam and a physical education test - he is enrolled in the Roscosmos cosmonaut corps as a candidate for test cosmonauts. He begins general space training (GST). It lasts from one and a half to two years. The course goes on almost around the clock.

OKP OF CANDIDATES FOR COSMONAUTS INCLUDES PREPARATION:

In the Soyuz simulator. Photo: website / Alexander Avilov

At the end of this stage, surrender State exam, the purpose of which is to determine the level of training of cosmonaut candidates based on the results of the OKP. It is accepted by a commission, which includes more than 100 people from different enterprises (TsPK named after Yu.A. Gagarin, RSC Energia, Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Center named after V.M. Khrunichev). This is a test not only for knowledge, but also for the ability to take a psychological blow.

After successful passing, the candidate is awarded the title of "test cosmonaut"

- After the general space training, training for the flight to the station immediately begins?

- The next stage is training in groups of specialization and improvement. It lasts three years. During this time, you need to pass about 150 exams and tests and the final exam at the end of training, which is valid for three years. If during this time a person has not been assigned to the crew, they have to retake it, because the technique is being improved. It happens that a year later you have to take the exam again, because something has changed.

Finally, the moment comes when you are assigned to the crew. This can happen in two or three years. It's been nine years for me. There are those who have been preparing for 16 years. There are two such examples in the history of Russian cosmonautics - the training of Valery Polyakov and Sergei Revin lasted 16 years.

If the cosmonaut was assigned to the crew, then the third stage begins - training as part of the crew. It starts about one and a half to two years before the flight.

In space, the fourth stage is underway - maintaining professional skills in flight. When you descend, this stage continues during rehabilitation, which lasts six months. The more you fly, the more you recover.

After six months of rehabilitation, the main medical commission is appointed. It depends on its results whether you will get back to the second stage, to the improvement group. If you are recognized as fit, then you again study in groups, take exams again, take survival courses, psychological training.

At the same time, you act as an expert. For example, I recently went to RSC Energia, where we tested the new Soyuz spacecraft descent control handle. After returning to Earth, I participate in the testing of new equipment, the modernization of the old one, and I am waiting for my flight assignment. According to the current plans, it will take place in 2019.

– What do you personally like the most about training as an astronaut?

- My favorite thing is testing new technology: trips to Energia, communication with designers, engineers. An astronaut who flew into space has certain knowledge and skills that can be useful on Earth. For example, I joined the cosmonaut corps from RSC Energia. It can be said that I flew not just to satisfy my dream, but to understand how everything works there, how space flight factors affect ships and the station.

Now I understand what the station and the ship should be like. The goal is not just to fly and go to outer space, and fly to the moon, Mars. Of course, I'm not sure that I will get there myself, but my knowledge and experience will help others to do it.

Soyuz transport manned spacecraft simulators. Photo: website / Alexander Avilov

– You said that a cosmonaut takes about 150 exams during his training. Are transfers allowed?

- It's better to pass the first time. But different situations happen in life - a child fell ill, the lights were turned off the night before the exam, there was a tragedy in the family. It happens rarely, but they give a retake.

– Are there differences in the education of men and women?

- By technical disciplines there are no concessions. Perhaps there are indulgences when passing physical education tests, but they are absolutely minimal and amount to 30 percent compared to the standards for men. For example, men under 30 need to pull themselves up 14 times, and women at the same age need 14 push-ups in lying position.

By the way, these disciplines are similar to the norms of the TRP, which have now been renewed. If you pass the first step, then this is enough to pass our physical education tests.

WHO IS FLYING TO THE ISS

– The crew that is being prepared for a flight to the ISS, as a rule, consists of our cosmonauts and American, European or Japanese astronauts. How is teaching done? What is the main language?

– At the Cosmonaut Training Center in star city Americans, Japanese and Europeans study Russian, they have special hours for this. Basically they study technical language. But if necessary, a foreign astronaut is accompanied by an interpreter during training. In Houston, Cologne or Tsukuba, Russian cosmonauts are trained at English language, and our translator is present at the classes.

Complex of simulators for the Russian segment of the ISS. Photo: website / Alexander Avilov

How is the crew formed? future expedition?

- Appointment for a flight depends not only on the knowledge, but also on the physical readiness of the cosmonaut - a medical examination must be passed, all exams must be passed.

Now there are 37 cosmonauts in the detachment. You are assigned to the crew when it's your turn. But we still have a rule that one cosmonaut in the crew must be an experienced cosmonaut who has already flown. And a first-timer is already being appointed to him.

- How is the crew selected according to psychological compatibility?

– In the process of preparation, study, our psychologists evaluate the ability to work in a team and try to appoint compatible people. But it happens differently. It even happened that astronauts were filmed right before the flight, but that was a very long time ago.

- Now all flights are carried out on the Soyuz, where space is strictly limited. Are there any criteria for selection in the crew in this regard?

We have a weight limit. Maximum - 90 kilograms. If a person's weight exceeds this value, then you must go on a diet, or you will be removed from the crew. The height limit is 190 centimeters. But in fact, height in a sitting position is important - it should not exceed 99 centimeters.

CLOSED SPACE AND OPEN SPACE

– An expedition to the station lasts six months on average. How do you prepare for a long stay in a confined space?

- It's not just a closed space, but the fact that a person is constantly in a small team. We have such a subject - the psychology of small groups, where they tell how to behave, prevent conflicts, be the first to lend a hand.

They prepare for a closed space in a sound chamber. This is a room, a barrel, where light or sound does not penetrate from the outside. They put you in the isolation chamber for five days, three of which you do not sleep. This is the so-called continuous operation mode.

All you have is a light bulb, appliances, a computer, and tests to perform. These can also be tasks on a free topic - for example, you need to make a report for exactly two minutes, but despite the clock. Psychologists evaluate you online, see if you are talking to someone, because on the second or third day without sleep, all sorts of monsters can be seen or animals begin to take off from themselves. This is one of the most difficult experiments. If you passed it, then you move on, and if not, they can write it off.

- You participated in the Mars-500 program, during which you had to stay in a confined space for a long time. Did this experience on the ISS help you?

– This experiment helped me in anticipation of my own space flight, since it took me 11 years to get there. I worked on this program from 2006 to 2008. We had three isolation experiments. The work is creative, in some ways comparable to the tests that are being carried out at RSC Energia with new equipment.

Most of the experiments carried out within the framework of this program, we then repeated on the ISS. Such additional training turned out

– How are cosmonauts prepared for extreme and emergency situations?

- Situations such as depressurization, malfunction of the spacesuit systems are practiced on the Vykhod-2 simulator. The hydrolaboratory is also preparing for the spacewalk. Troubleshooting is brought to automatism.

But before starting training on simulators, an astronaut is made into a cold-blooded person. For this, special parachute training (SPK) is carried out. It represents jumping from a helicopter or plane, from a height of approximately 4.5 kilometers.

After you exit the hatch, you need to stabilize and, without opening your parachute, solve the tasks that are written on your tablet. Along with this, it is necessary to conduct a report on a free topic - to talk about what you see around. In addition, you need to monitor the height and open a parachute at an altitude of 1200 meters.

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When a person jumps for the first time, the report does not work, only sounds. But with each jump, fear is replaced by confidence. On the 30-40th jump, you already solve all the problems, complete all the reports.

Usually we have three such parachute trainings. At the end of them, you no longer have fear as such. You approach any situation with a sober mind.

How are you preparing for a spacewalk?

“This is the most interesting and dangerous job. They prepare for it, as I already said, in the hydrolaboratory, where the so-called hydroweightlessness is created - this is when the spacesuit acquires zero buoyancy, that is, it does not sink and does not float. You work in a spacesuit on a model station located in a hydro pool, you work out all the operations that can only be in space - regular and non-standard.

Then comes the "Exit-2" simulator, where you learn to work with a spacesuit, troubleshoot, save your strength - the exit happens for six to seven hours, and you need to remain efficient during this time, be able to return and, if anything, pick up a comrade . Then theoretical training and exams.

During parachute training, there is such an element of training in outer space: during a helicopter flight, you need to move along its supports.

- You also went into outer space. What were the first sensations?

- I was waiting for this, I dreamed of going into outer space. Before joining the detachment, I worked in the extravehicular activity department at RSC Energia, preparing cosmonauts and modules for work in open space.

When I opened the hatch, at first there was a stupor. But not out of fear. The abyss overboard, as it were, attracts. They usually go out in the dark, not at dawn. You open the hatch and see nothing. The first feeling is that you don't see the divers who help in the hydro laboratory. And it's just you and your friend.

My first outing lasted over seven hours and was quite heavy. The second time they did everything in five hours. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first spacewalk. And until now, this work remains the most risky, interesting and attractive.

- Is there any special preparation for life at the station, for example, for meals on board?

- Before the flight, there is a tasting. You choose from more than 300 dishes what you want to eat at the station. Now in tubes only honey, mustard and spices like ketchup. There are also canned goods. The rest is freeze-dried food in sachets, like instant pasta. They cook mainly to season food: you make a small hole in the package, pour hot water through a straw and wait until it cooks.

Apparatus for filling food. Photo: website / Alexander Avilov

We have a 16-day menu, that is, the dishes that you ate today will be repeated only after 16 days. The menu includes borscht, pasta, and various meats. The most delicious - cottage cheese with nuts and dried meat: beef, horse meat, venison.

– How do the crews from different countries?

– There is a Russian segment and an American one. We have our menu, they have theirs. But we hold tastings with each other and can choose dishes that we liked more. We exchange at the station.

– Are there any restrictions for astronauts? For example, you can not wear piercings or get tattoos.

- I know that many guys were not taken because of tattoos. I didn't see any piercing. It is dangerous to work on a ship in zero gravity. They can get stuck on something. Even a wedding ring is dangerous to wear. Everything superfluous on the body is not welcome.

Why are tattoos banned? It is believed that this is skin damage and doctors do not let it through?

- Basically, psychologists do not miss. A tattoo is a psychological moment. It is considered that normal person unremovable things will not be applied to the body.

- When the crew is ready, what obligatory traditions are observed before the start?

- There are a lot of them. Some even went from Gagarin. For example, the tradition is preserved when the main and backup crews fly by different planes, travel by different buses in Baikonur. The tradition is never to say "last", but always to say "extreme". Watch the film "White Sun of the Desert" before the flight.

Why this particular film?

- Historically. When the "White Sun of the Desert" was just released, it was shown to the astronauts. First to one crew, then to another. And the third did not look, and he was removed from the flight. The Americans had the same thing - they constantly postponed the start. As soon as they watched the film, the start took place.

Probably, it would be possible to cancel the tradition and the ships would start normally. But it is good because families who come to the astronauts three days before the launch take part in the viewing. Another opportunity to communicate with family.

- If I came and flew in a year or two, it would be a delight. And when you have been preparing for 11 years, you know what awaits you.

Of course, the Earth is beautiful. Everything free time you spend to watch her. But there was no such "wow, I'm in space".

There was a dream to go into outer space, and then return and either myself or help someone fly to the Moon or Mars.

All people tolerate the state of weightlessness in different ways, but to one degree or another it causes nausea in everyone. At first, you experience the euphoria of weightlessness, but then the symptoms of "space sickness" begin to appear. The degree of its impact largely depends on the characteristics of the vestibular apparatus of a person, but at first everyone is subject to it - whether it is real or artificially created.

“The most difficult thing is probably not to pay attention to those reactions of the body that arise in any case. Of course, someone reacts to this more easily, for someone it manifests itself in a more severe form, but in any case, the body tries to resist this unusual state for itself, ”test cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov told RT.

The RT film crew was lucky enough to experience weightlessness on Earth in the unique Roscosmos Il-76MDK laboratory aircraft.

On board during the flight, about once a minute, for about 25 seconds, weightlessness occurs. With the help of such training, astronauts are prepared for future work in similar conditions.

Zero gravity training takes place at the Cosmonaut Training Center named after Yu.A. Gagarin. This is the only place in Russia where such training is possible.

“The hardest thing for me is to stop. The mode is short, 25-30 seconds, it happens that you get carried away with the task and want to continue, ”admits test cosmonaut Sergei Korsakov.

Hero of Russia Colonel Yuri Malenchenko knows perfectly well how a person feels in space. He took up the post of deputy head of the CTC only in September last year: he returned from his last - sixth - flight into space on June 18, 2016. In total, Malenchenko spent 827 days in orbit - according to this indicator, he is second only to Gennady Padalka (he has 878 days). RT asked the astronaut about the Il-76MDK and asked what it was like to be weightless.

— Why is the IL-76MDK laboratory aircraft unique?

“On Earth, it is very difficult to come up with a way to recreate the effect of weightlessness, because gravity is constantly acting. And when this problem was solved, it was decided to create laboratory aircraft. Changes were made to the design of the aircraft specifically so that it could reproduce the state of weightlessness. During the flight, a special trajectory is selected and a near-zero overload is created for a sufficiently long time. During this time, you can approach the feeling of weightlessness and perform various tasks: to train some of the actions that the astronaut will perform in space, to check the work and test the equipment. This is enough, so we actively use them.

- In your opinion, is it possible to fully prepare for the impact of weightlessness by training in the Il-76MDK aircraft?

- Completely - no. We also have other means that prepare cosmonauts so that, having fallen into weightlessness in space, they can not only feel comfortable, but also perform the tasks assigned to them. Of course, weightlessness in space is something that is difficult to reproduce on Earth. A state of constant, complete weightlessness, 24 hours a day. No matter how a person trains here, once he gets there, he gets new sensations.

How would you describe the feeling of weightlessness?

“It's a multifaceted experience. For the first minutes and hours, the lightness that you feel attracts attention. You are weightless, you float in the air and can move in three-dimensional space. Quite calmly, pushing off one wall, you fly in the other direction. You can hover and just hang without touching anything. Of course, there are other factors of weightlessness - it has a very serious effect on the body. And besides this lightness, there are a lot of difficulties that it creates for a person. Therefore, there are many methods that are actively used to prevent these harmful effects.

“Technology does not stand still. How does the CPC implement new technology in the flight preparation system?

We are constantly using all the technologies that time provides us. The training base is being modernized. All tasks performed are directly related to technology and computer technology. All this has long been used - both in modeling, and in providing visualization, and accompanied by work performed, and when performing experiments - it is actively used everywhere. Very few tasks can be devised that would not use the most modern high tech.

- Now Andrey Borisenko is shooting a panoramic video in 360 format for the Roscosmos corporation and for the RT channel on the ISS. As a person who has been to the ISS and Mir many times, what do you think: how true are the videos of this format? A person who has never been in space will get a real idea of ​​what is above?

- Of course, the 360 ​​angle of view gives a specific effect. Of course, it is difficult to fully reproduce what a person sees with his eyes. However, I watched the videos, and in my opinion, in this format, not only the view increases, but also the impression of space flight is created, as if you are there, in this space. The viewer, it seems to me, even appears