Valeri Tokarev is a Russian Air Force colonel and test pilot who logged over 3,000 flight hours across 44 types of aircraft and helicopters. Beyond his extensive military aviation career, he served as a mission specialist and flight engineer during two separate space missions, contributing to the assembly and maintenance of the International Space Station.
Military Aviation and Education
Born in 1952 in Kapustin Yar, Tokarev pursued a career in military aviation. He graduated from the Stavropol Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots and Navigators PVO in 1973. His technical training continued at the Test Pilot Training Center in Akhtubinsk, where he completed his studies in 1982. Later, he attended the Yu. A. Gagarin Military Air Academy in Monino and earned a master's degree in state administration from the National Economy Academy under the Russian Federal Government. Throughout his service, he tested fourth-generation carrier-based aircraft, including the Su-27K and MiG-29K, as well as vertical takeoff jets like the Yak-38M.
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Selected for the cosmonaut corps in 1987 to support the Buran spacecraft program, Tokarev transitioned to a test cosmonaut role at the Yuri A. Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center following the program's closure. In May 1999, he participated in STS-96 aboard Space Shuttle Discovery, the first shuttle flight to dock with the International Space Station. He later served as a flight engineer for Expedition 12, launching to the station via Soyuz TMA-7 in October 2005. His scientific work during this six-month residency included biological, genetic, and physics experiments, as well as atmospheric research.
Extravehicular Activity
Over the course of his two space flights, Tokarev performed two spacewalks totaling 11 hours and 5 minutes. His first EVA took place on 7 November 2005 alongside William McArthur. The pair installed a new camera assembly on the Port 1 Truss and jettisoned a failed Floating Potential Probe designed to measure electrical potential in the surrounding plasma. During his second spacewalk on 3 February 2006, he continued station maintenance tasks before ultimately returning to Earth in April 2006.
Political Engagement
Following his active service in the cosmonaut corps, Tokarev entered the political arena. He joined the United Russia party in March 2009. In September 2013, he was elected to a five-year term as the head of Zvyozdny Gorodok, securing 67.9% of the vote.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Kapustin Yar
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Flight Hours: Over 3,000
- Space Missions: STS-96 and Expedition 12
- Spacewalks: 2
- Political Party: United Russia
- Awards: Hero of the Russian Federation
- Residence: Star City, Moscow Oblast
Questions readers ask
What types of aircraft did Tokarev test?
He tested 44 types of aircraft and helicopters, including Su-27K, MiG-29K, Yak-38M, Su-25UTG, and Su-24M.
When did Tokarev serve as head of Zvyozdny Gorodok?
He was elected to this position on 8 September 2013 for a five-year term.
Achievements
- Educated at Stavropol Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots and Navigators PVO, Gagarin Air Force Academy and Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration
- Worked as aircraft pilot, astronaut and politician
