Five spaceflights define the career of Fyodor Yurchikhin, a Russian engineer and cosmonaut who launched into orbit on the Space Shuttle and multiple Soyuz missions. His professional trajectory spans from ground-based controller roles at the Russian Mission Control Center to commanding long-duration expeditions aboard the International Space Station, marking a significant presence in international aerospace operations.
Early Career and Education
Born in 1959 in Batumi, Yurchikhin completed his secondary education before enrolling at the Moscow Aviation Institute. He graduated in 1983 with a specialization in aerospace vehicles. Following his studies, he served at the Russian Space Corporation Energia until 1997. During this period, he held various technical roles, progressing from engineer to lead engineer for collaborative programs involving Shuttle-Mir and NASA-Mir.
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In August 1997, Yurchikhin joined the RSC Energia cosmonaut detachment. After completing basic training, he qualified as a test cosmonaut in 1999. His initial spaceflight experience occurred during the STS-112 mission on Space Shuttle Atlantis. This assembly mission focused on installing the S1 Truss on the International Space Station, involving complex cargo transfers and orbit adjustments during 170 orbits.
Commanding ISS Expeditions
Yurchikhin commanded several major expeditions, starting with Expedition 15 in 2007. He launched on the Soyuz TMA-10 and completed a 196-day mission. In 2010, he joined Expedition 24/25, participating in multiple spacewalks for station maintenance. His later assignments included serving as Soyuz commander for TMA-09M in 2013, acting as the ISS commander for Expedition 37, and leading Expedition 52 in 2017.
Academic and Formal Recognition
Beyond his technical training, Yurchikhin attained a Ph.D. in economics from the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration in 2001. His contributions to the Russian space program earned him several honors, including the title of Hero of the Russian Federation in 2008 and the Order of Friendship in 2003. He also received multiple grades of the Order For Merit to the Fatherland.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, Batumi
- Education: Moscow Aviation Institute, RANEPA
- Key Awards: Hero of the Russian Federation (2008)
- ISS Command Positions: 2007, 2013, 2017
- Total Spaceflights: 5
- Citizenship: Russia
Questions readers ask
Did Yurchikhin participate in spacewalks?
Yes, he performed multiple spacewalks, including operations during the 2010 Expedition 24/25 mission to support station maintenance and experimental staging.
What was his role before becoming a cosmonaut?
He worked as a mechanical engineer and lead engineer at the Russian Space Corporation Energia, where he supported the Shuttle-Mir and NASA-Mir programs.
Achievements
- Educated at Moscow Aviation Institute
- Worked as engineer, astronaut and economist
