The Soyuz MS-21 spacecraft carried Denis Matveev into orbit on 18 March 2022, marking his singular spaceflight experience during a career centered on Russian aeronautical advancement. Born in Leningrad in 1983, he navigated a technical path through Moscow academic institutions and the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center before transitioning from research engineering to active flight duties.
Academic and Professional Foundations
Matveev completed his higher education at the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, receiving a degree in computing and networks in 2006. Following this, he joined the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia. Initially serving as a junior research assistant, he achieved a promotion to the position of engineer in 2009. This technical background provided the baseline for his subsequent selection as a cosmonaut in 2010.
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Formal training for his role as a cosmonaut commenced on 12 October 2010. By 31 July 2012, he held the official designation of test cosmonaut. His path to orbit involved shifts in mission planning; although reports indicated his selection as a flight engineer for the Soyuz MS-06 mission, he did not participate in that flight. The trajectory of his career eventually aligned with the Soyuz MS-21 mission.
Mission Execution
The Soyuz MS-21 mission served as the primary spaceflight of his career. Following the launch in March 2022, Matveev spent 195 days in space as part of operations aboard the International Space Station. The mission concluded with a successful landing in Kazakhstan on 29 September 2022. For his contributions to space exploration and his service, he received the titles of Hero of the Russian Federation and Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation.
Fast facts
- Born: 25 April 1983, Saint Petersburg
- Citizenship: Russia
- Military Rank: Senior lieutenant
- Education: Bauman Moscow State Technical University
- Spaceflight: Soyuz MS-21
- Mission Duration: 195 days
- Language: Russian
Questions readers ask
Did Denis Matveev fly on Soyuz MS-06?
No, although he was assigned to the mission, he did not launch and was replaced.
What is his military rank?
He holds the rank of senior lieutenant.
Achievements
- Worked as astronaut and explorer
