Selection by the State Space Agency of Ukraine in 1996 marked the beginning of a professional astronaut career for Yaroslav Pustovyi. Trained as both an engineer and a researcher, he functioned as a backup payload specialist for the NASA STS-87 mission in 1997, representing the early efforts of his nation to establish a formal human presence in orbit.
Academic and Military Foundations
Born in 1970 in Kostroma, Pustovyi spent his formative years in Kyiv. His technical proficiency originated at the A.F. Mozhaysky Military-Space Academy, where he completed a Master of Science degree in 1993. His military service included the rank of senior lieutenant in the Ukrainian Air Force. Furthering his academic qualifications, he obtained a candidate of Sciences degree in Physics and Mathematics, reflecting a rigorous focus on technical and scientific domains.
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During the mid-1990s, Pustovyi transitioned into a research role at the Institute of Magnetism, a facility under the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. While balancing this research, he secured his place in the astronaut corps. Although his involvement in the 1997 STS-87 mission did not result in flight, the assignment underscored his status as a leading candidate within the fledgling Ukrainian space program. In 1998, the state recognized his contributions by awarding him the Order of Merit, 3rd class.
International Transition and Private Enterprise
Following his primary training, Pustovyi expanded his activities into the private sector and international competitions. In 2003, he joined the Canadian Arrow team to compete for the Ansari X Prize. His trajectory shifted toward Canada, where he settled in Simcoe County. In 2009, he co-founded Space 1 Systems. By 2014, he assumed the role of president at the Canadian Space Commerce Association, applying his engineering background to the administrative and commercial advancement of space-related industries.
Fast facts
- Born: 1970, Kostroma
- Citizenship: Ukraine
- Rank: Senior lieutenant
- Education: Mozhaysky Air Force Academy
- Award: Order of Merit (Ukraine), 3rd class
- Key Role: Backup payload specialist, STS-87
- Entrepreneurship: Co-founder, Space 1 Systems
Questions readers ask
Did Yaroslav Pustovyi fly on the STS-87 mission?
No, he served as a backup payload specialist for the mission but did not fly.
What is his educational background?
He holds a Master of Science from the A.F. Mozhaysky Military-Space Academy and a candidate of Sciences in Physics and Mathematics.
Achievements
- Order of Merit (Ukraine), 3rd class
- Recorded as engineer and astronaut
