Valery Korzun logged a career total of 381 days in space across two long-duration missions, completing four extravehicular activities during his tenure. An experienced aviator and test cosmonaut, he transitioned from a military career in the Soviet Air Force to become a central figure in international orbital operations throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Military Foundation and Training
Born in 1953 in Krasny Sulin, Korzun pursued an aviation career by attending the Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots, graduating in 1974. He subsequently served as a pilot, flight section leader, and squadron commander within the Soviet Air Force. A 1st class military pilot, he attained mastery of four aircraft types and logged 1473 flight hours. His technical background expanded in 1987 upon graduating from the Gagarin Military Aviation Academy, leading to his selection for the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center later that year. He achieved certification as a test cosmonaut in June 1989.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Mir Operations
Korzun first travelled to space on 17 August 1996, launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome aboard Soyuz TM-24. His mission to the Mir orbital complex involved collaboration with international partners, including the NASA-3 and Cassiopeia programs. During this 196-day mission, he performed two spacewalks, totaling 12 hours and 33 minutes. These operations focused on enhancing the station's electrical capacity by installing cables for the cooperative solar array and attaching a Kurs docking antenna.
Commanding Expedition 5
In 2002, Korzun served as commander for the International Space Station's fifth expedition. He launched on 5 June aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, docking with the station two days later. Throughout his stay, he oversaw scientific investigations into cold plasma, radiation effects on the human body, and crystal growth. He also conducted two additional spacewalks, where he installed debris protection panels on the Zvezda Service Module and mounting hardware on the Zarya module. His mission concluded on 7 December 2002.
Fast facts
- Born: 1953, Krasny Sulin
- Military Rank: Air Force major general
- Total days in space: 381
- Total spacewalks: 4
- Education: Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots
- Major Mission: ISS Expedition 5 commander
- Awards include: Hero of the Russian Federation, NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal
Questions readers ask
How many spacewalks did Valery Korzun perform?
He performed four career spacewalks, two during his time on the Mir space station and two during his Expedition 5 mission on the ISS.
What was the scientific focus of the Expedition 5 mission?
The crew investigated cold plasma, crystal growth, radiation effects on the human body, and conducted various ecological and Earth observation experiments.
Achievements
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Educated at Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots
- Worked as aircraft pilot, astronaut and test cosmonaut
