Nikolay Aleksandrovich Chub, born in 1984 in Novocherkassk, serves as an active test cosmonaut within the Roscosmos State Corporation. His career path transitioned from private sector management to professional space flight operations, marked by significant technical training and involvement in international collaborative exercises designed to simulate extreme environmental conditions for long-duration human space missions.
Academic Foundation and Private Industry
Chub completed his undergraduate studies at the South-Russian State Technical University, also known as the Novocherkassk Polytechnic Institute, in 2006. Graduating as the top student in his class, he earned a degree in management and informatics. He later pursued further education at the same university, obtaining a graduate degree in economics. Before transitioning to his career in aeronautics, he served as the director of Space Tu, LLC, a firm focused on astronautics.
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The Roscosmos space agency selected Chub as a cosmonaut candidate in 2012. He achieved the formal title of test cosmonaut on June 16, 2014. His preparatory activities included participation in the 2019 ESA CAVES training program, an initiative organized by the European Space Agency that took place across locations in Italy and Slovenia to refine operational skills in challenging settings.
Flight Assignments and Diplomatic Hurdles
Chub was assigned as a backup crewmember for the Soyuz MS-12 flight and was initially selected for the Soyuz MS-17 mission before being replaced by American astronaut Kathleen Rubins. In early 2022, his preparations faced a logistical challenge when the United States denied his visa application for a training session at the Johnson Space Center. Following public discussion regarding the implications for safety on the International Space Station, the visa was granted shortly thereafter. He served as a backup for Soyuz MS-22 and eventually launched aboard the Soyuz MS-24 mission. His mission concluded with his return to Earth on the Soyuz MS-25 flight after spending one year in space.
Professional Recognition
The Russian Federation formally recognized Chub’s contributions to the field of astronautics in 2024. He was awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation and the honorific of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation, reflecting his status within the national space program and his successful completion of extended spaceflight missions.
Fast facts
- Born: 1984, Novocherkassk
- Citizenship: Russia
- Employer: Roscosmos State Corporation
- Selected as cosmonaut: 2012
- Named test cosmonaut: 16 June 2014
- Awards: Hero of the Russian Federation (2024)
- Mission: Soyuz MS-24
Questions readers ask
What was Nikolay Chub's role before becoming a cosmonaut?
He directed the astronautics firm Space Tu, LLC, following his university studies in management, informatics, and economics.
Which international training program did Chub participate in during 2019?
He took part in the ESA CAVES program, which was conducted in Italy and Slovenia under the European Space Agency.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Roscosmos State Corporation
- Worked as astronaut, engineer and test cosmonaut
