Anatoli Ivanishin recorded 280 days in orbit across his first two missions, culminating in his role as commander of the orbiting laboratory in 2016. Born in 1969 in Irkutsk, he transitioned from a military career flying fighter jets to a primary position within the Russian space program, ultimately retiring from active cosmonaut training in 2021 to pursue scientific activities.
Military and Academic Foundation
Ivanishin began his formal military training in 1987 at the Chernigov Higher Military Aviation School for Pilots, graduating with a gold medal in 1991. His service included flying MiG-29 and Su-27 jet fighters within the Russian Air Force, specifically in the Borisoglebsk unit and the 159th Fighter Aviation Regiment. Beyond his aviation career, he completed an economics degree at Lomonosov Moscow State University in 2003.
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He entered cosmonaut training in June 2003 and earned his test cosmonaut qualification by July 2005. His flight experience began in November 2011 aboard Soyuz TMA-22. During this tenure, he supported a spacewalk conducted by colleagues who performed maintenance on the station's Russian segment. He returned to Earth in April 2012, concluding a 165-day mission.
Command and Later Expeditions
In 2016, Ivanishin commanded a mission after launching on Soyuz MS-01. This assignment involved testing new systems on the spacecraft before docking. By 2020, he was moved from a backup role to the prime crew for Soyuz MS-16. In October 2021, Roscosmos confirmed his retirement from the Cosmonaut training centre to focus on specialized scientific work.
Fast facts
- Born: 1969, Irkutsk
- Military Rank: Colonel, Russian Air Force
- Total Time in Orbit: 280 days
- Education: Lomonosov Moscow State University
- Awards: Hero of the Russian Federation
- Primary Aircraft Flown: MiG-29 and Su-27
- Retirement from Training: October 2021
Questions readers ask
What aircraft did Anatoli Ivanishin fly during his military service?
He flew MiG-29 jet fighter planes in the Borisoglebsk military unit and Su-27 jet fighter aircraft while serving with the 159th Fighter Aviation Regiment.
When did Anatoli Ivanishin retire from the cosmonaut training centre?
Roscosmos announced his retirement on 15 October 2021 to allow him to focus on scientific activities.
Achievements
- Educated at Lomonosov Moscow State University
- Worked as explorer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
