Aleksandr Kaleri accumulated extensive experience through five spaceflights, primarily serving as a flight engineer on both the Mir Space Station and the International Space Station. His technical background as an aeronautical engineer provided the foundation for his long-duration missions, which included complex repairs, station maintenance, and scientific research conducted during over two decades of orbital operations.
Engineering and Training
Born in 1956 in Jūrmala, Kaleri pursued academic training in physics and technology. He graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology in 1979 as a specialist in Aircraft Flight Dynamics and Control. He later completed postgraduate studies in 1983 focusing on the mechanics of fluids and plasma. His professional trajectory began at the Energia Corporation, where he contributed to the engineering documentation and testing of the Mir station before being selected as a cosmonaut candidate in April 1984.
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Kaleri participated in three extended stays aboard the Mir orbital complex. His initial mission in 1992 aboard Soyuz-TM-14 lasted 145 days. In 1996, he spent 197 days in space during the Mir-22 mission. He returned to Mir a third time in 2000 for the Mir-28 mission. Throughout these assignments, he acted as a flight engineer and performed critical maintenance and assembly tasks.
International Space Station Operations
In 2003, Kaleri transitioned to the International Space Station as part of Expedition 8, spending 194 days in orbit. His final flight occurred in 2010 when he served as commander of the Soyuz TMA-01M during the Expedition 25/26 mission. During this period, the crew conducted experiments in fundamental physics and crystal growth. He returned to Earth in March 2011.
Extravehicular Activity
Over the course of his career, Kaleri completed five spacewalks, totaling 23 hours outside the spacecraft. His tasks included repairing communication systems, installing solar arrays, and testing exterior sealants. During his final spacewalk in 2004, a cooling system failure in his spacesuit necessitated an early return to the station's airlock.
Fast facts
- Born: 1956, Jūrmala
- Education: Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
- Career start: Energia Corporation, 1979
- Total spaceflights: 5
- Total EVA hours: 23
- Military rank: Commanding officer
- Award: NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal (2011)
- Award: Knight of the Legion of Honour
Questions readers ask
What was Kaleri's primary engineering specialty?
He specialized in Aircraft Flight Dynamics and Control, as well as the Mechanics of Fluids and Plasma.
Which space stations did he visit?
He completed missions on both the Mir Space Station and the International Space Station.
Achievements
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Affiliated with Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
- Educated at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
- Worked as engineer, astronaut and university teacher
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