Maksim Surayev spent 167 days aboard the International Space Station during his initial mission in 2009, eventually completing two separate expeditions and two complex spacewalks. A career military officer who transitioned into Russian politics, his professional life bridges the gap between high-altitude aviation and the legislative halls of the State Duma in Moscow.
Military Aviation and Training
Born in 1972 in Chelyabinsk, Surayev moved frequently during his youth due to his father's military service. He pursued a structured path in aviation, graduating with honors from the Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots in 1994 and the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy in 1997. His qualifications include certifications as a fighter pilot and aircraft pilot, with expertise in flying L-39 and Su-27 aircraft. Beyond his pilot training at the Yeysk Higher Military Aviation Institute, he expanded his professional credentials by earning a law degree from the Russian Academy of State Service in 2007.
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Surayev qualified as a test-cosmonaut in 1999 after completing basic space training. His flight experience began with the launch of Soyuz TMA-16 on 30 September 2009. Serving as flight engineer for Expeditions 21 and 22, he logged 167 days in orbit. In 2014, he returned to the International Space Station as commander of Expedition 41, having launched aboard Soyuz TMA-13M. During his career, he performed two significant spacewalks: a 5-hour, 44-minute excursion in 2010 to outfit the station with docking equipment, and a 3-hour, 38-minute mission in 2014 to remove scientific hardware from the Poisk module.
Public Service and Legislative Work
Upon retiring from the cosmonaut corps in 2016, Surayev entered the political sphere. He was elected to the 7th State Duma of the Russian Federation representing the United Russia party. He maintained his seat in the legislature until 2021. Throughout his career, he has been recognized with numerous honors, including the title of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation and the Hero of the Russian Federation award, which he received in 2010.
Fast facts
- Born: 1972, Chelyabinsk
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Education: Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots
- Expedition Commander: 2014
- Total Spacewalks: 2
- Political Tenure: 2016-2021 (State Duma)
- Awards: Hero of the Russian Federation (2010)
- Citizenship: Russia, Soviet Union
Questions readers ask
How long did Maksim Surayev spend in space?
He completed a 167-day mission during his first expedition to the International Space Station.
What political office did he hold?
He served as a member of the 7th State Duma of the Russian Federation from 2016 to 2021.
Achievements
- Educated at Yeysk Higher Military Aviation Institute, Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots and Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy
- Worked as aircraft pilot, astronaut and fighter pilot
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