The Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on 27 May 2009 carried Roman Romanenko into orbit, marking his first mission as a space traveler. Born in 1971 in Shchyolkovo, he pursued a career that spanned the transition from Soviet pilot training to international orbital research and later into the Russian political landscape.
Early Military Education and Training
Romanenko followed a structured path into military aviation. After finishing high school in Star City in 1986, he enrolled in the Saint Petersburg Suvorov Military School, completing his studies there in 1988. He then attended the Chernigov High Air Force School, where he graduated in 1992 as a pilot-engineer. His subsequent military service involved operating L-39 and Tu-134 aircraft, eventually logging more than 500 flight hours as a Class 3 Air Force pilot.
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His tenure as a cosmonaut began in December 1997 when he was selected by the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. Following basic training, he achieved qualification as a test cosmonaut in 1999. In 2009, he served as the commander of the Soyuz TMA-15 mission, logging 187 days and 20 hours in orbit. He later participated in the Soyuz TMA-07M mission in December 2012, spending an additional 145 days and 14 hours in space. On 19 April 2013, he conducted a 6-hour and 38-minute spacewalk alongside Pavel Vinogradov to perform essential external repairs.
Legislative Service and Recognition
Upon transitioning from aerospace operations, Romanenko entered the Russian political sphere. He has held positions as a member of the 6th, 7th, and 8th State Duma of the Russian Federation, representing the Chertanovo constituency. His career has been marked by various honors, including the title of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation awarded in 2010. He also received the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal and the NASA Space Flight Medal on two separate occasions, in 2009 and 2013, alongside his military decorations for distinguished service.
Fast facts
- Born: 1971, Shchyolkovo
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Education: Saint Petersburg Suvorov Military School
- Flight Time: Over 500 hours
- Title: Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation
- Notable Awards: NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal (2009, 2013)
- Political Positions: Member of the 6th, 7th, and 8th State Duma
Questions readers ask
What missions did Romanenko command?
He served as the commander of the Soyuz TMA-15 mission launched in May 2009.
Has he performed a spacewalk?
Yes, he completed a 6-hour and 38-minute spacewalk on 19 April 2013 with cosmonaut Pavel Vinogradov.
Achievements
- Educated at Saint Petersburg Suvorov Military School
- Worked as aircraft pilot, astronaut and politician
