A veteran of four spaceflights, Anton Shkaplerov transitioned from a career as a Russian Air Force colonel and pilot-instructor to becoming a prominent figure in human space exploration. His career includes multiple stays on the International Space Station, where he participated in critical maintenance tasks, complex spacewalks, and even served as a primary performer in a feature film production.
Military Foundation and Early Training
Born on 20 February 1972 in Sevastopol, Shkaplerov pursued an aviation career by attending the Kachinsk Air Force Pilot School, graduating as a pilot-engineer in 1994. He continued his education at the N. E. Zukovskiy Air Force Engineering School, completing his degree in 1997. His military service included roles as a senior pilot-instructor, where he accumulated experience flying Yak-52, L-29, and MiG-29 aircraft. He is also a qualified Instructor of General Parachute Training, having successfully completed over 300 jumps.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Cosmonaut Career and ISS Expeditions
In May 2003, Shkaplerov joined the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, qualifying as a test cosmonaut in 2005. His flight career began with Expedition 29/30, launching in November 2011. He subsequently served on Expedition 42/43, Expedition 54/55, and Expedition 66. His operational roles have been diverse, ranging from acting as an ISS commander to performing essential exterior maintenance. On 2 February 2018, he and Alexander Misurkin conducted a spacewalk lasting 8 hours and 13 minutes, establishing a record for the longest Russian spacewalk.
Cinematic and Political Roles
During his final mission, Expedition 66, Shkaplerov supported the production of the film The Challenge, directed by Klim Shipenko. He appeared alongside actress Yulia Peresild as part of a collaboration between Roscosmos, Channel One, and the Yellow, Black and White studio. Beyond his technical and cinematic contributions to spaceflight, Shkaplerov transitioned into local governance, becoming a member of the Moscow City Duma in 2024.
Fast facts
- Born: 20 February 1972, Sevastopol
- Military Rank: Colonel, Russian Air Force
- Spaceflights: 4
- ISS Expedition Commander: 2021-2022
- Awards: Hero of the Russian Federation (2013)
- Political Position: Member of the Moscow City Duma (2024)
- Total Space Experience: 365 days (as of 2015)
Questions readers ask
How many spacewalks has Anton Shkaplerov conducted?
He has performed multiple spacewalks throughout his career, including significant operations in 2012, 2018, and 2022.
Did Anton Shkaplerov participate in filming a movie in space?
Yes, he appeared in scenes for the film The Challenge during his mission on the International Space Station in 2021.
Achievements
- Worked as explorer and astronaut
.jpg)
