Cumulative time in space for Oleg Novitskiy exceeds 545 days, following a career that transitioned from military aviation to multiple orbital missions. Born in 1971 in Červień, he spent years refining his expertise as a pilot-engineer before his selection for the Russian cosmonaut corps in 2006, eventually participating in several long-duration expeditions to the International Space Station.
Early Military Career
Novitskiy graduated from the Borisoglebsk Military Pilot School in 1994, specializing in command tactical aviation. Following his certification as a pilot-engineer, he served as a pilot-instructor at the V. Chkalov Training Center. Between 1995 and 2004, he held various roles within the 4th Air Army and Air Defense Army, rising to the position of attack air squadron commander after graduating from the Yuri Gagarin Air Force Academy in 2006. His military background includes over 700 hours of flight time in L-39 and Su-25 aircraft, while maintaining qualifications as a military diver and paratrooper instructor.
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After qualifying as a test-cosmonaut in 2009, Novitskiy completed his first spaceflight during Expedition 33/34, launching on Soyuz TMA-06M in October 2012. He returned to the International Space Station for Expedition 50/51 in 2016. In 2021, he served on Expedition 64/65, arriving aboard Soyuz MS-18. His later flights included commanding Soyuz MS-25, which carried him alongside Marina Vasilevskaya and Tracy Caldwell Dyson for a short-duration mission before returning on Soyuz MS-24.
Cinematic Participation
During the 2021 mission on Soyuz MS-18, Novitskiy assisted in the production of the film The Challenge. He provided support for director Klim Shipenko, who captured approximately 40 minutes of footage on the station. Novitskiy appeared on-screen in the role of a cosmonaut requiring medical assistance, working alongside fellow cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anton Shkaplerov during the production process.
Professional Honors
Novitskiy has received numerous decorations for his contributions to aerospace and military service. He was named a Hero of the Russian Federation and Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation in 2014. His record includes the NASA Space Flight Medal, the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, and multiple orders for merit to the fatherland. He remains active in his professional capacity.
Fast facts
- Born: 1971, Červień
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Selected as Cosmonaut: 2006
- Expeditions: 33/34, 50/51, 64/65
- Flight Time: Over 700 hours
- Space Time: Over 545 days
- Education: Borisoglebsk Higher Aviators School
- Award: Hero of the Russian Federation
Questions readers ask
How many days did Oleg Novitskiy spend in space?
He has accumulated over 545 days in space across multiple expeditions.
Which aircraft did he master during his military service?
He mastered the L-39 and Su-25 aircraft, accumulating over 700 hours of flight time.
Achievements
- Educated at Borisoglebsk Higher Aviators School
- Worked as explorer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
