Soyuz TM-20 launched on 4 October 1994, marking the start of a five-month mission that established Yelena Kondakova as the first woman to complete a long-duration spaceflight. This mission to the Mir orbital station solidified her place in aerospace history, as she spent significant time conducting research and operations beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Engineering Background and Training
Born in 1957 in Mytishchi, Kondakova pursued technical education at the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, graduating in 1980. She began her career as an engineer in the 113th department of NPO Energia. Her duties included long-term flight planning, training personnel for emergency scenarios, and overseeing scientific experiments. From 1982 to 1985, she supported flight control for the Salyut 7 space station before joining the Soviet cosmonaut corps in 1989.
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Following her inaugural 1994 flight, Kondakova served as a mission specialist on the United States Space Shuttle Atlantis during the STS-84 mission in May 1997. This excursion involved the sixth docking with the Mir orbital station. She accumulated extensive experience in space operations, eventually retiring from the RSC Energia cosmonaut corps in December 1999.
Political and Diplomatic Career
Kondakova entered the political sphere as a member of the State Duma, serving across the 3rd, 4th, and 5th convocations between 2000 and 2011. During this period, she expanded her qualifications by graduating from the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in 2006. In 2011, she resigned from the United Russia party following disputes regarding internal election procedures. Subsequently, she served as the Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in Switzerland from 2012 to 2018.
Fast facts
- Born: 1957, Mytishchi
- Education: Bauman Moscow State Technical University
- First Spaceflight: 4 October 1994
- Space Shuttle Mission: STS-84, 1997
- State Duma Tenure: 2000-2011
- Award: Hero of the Russian Federation
- Trade Representative Role: Switzerland (2012-2018)
Questions readers ask
What record does Yelena Kondakova hold?
She was the first woman to complete a long-duration spaceflight, which occurred during her five-month stay on the Mir space station.
Did Kondakova work with international space agencies?
Yes, she served as a mission specialist on the U.S. Space Shuttle Atlantis during the STS-84 mission in 1997.
Achievements
- Educated at Bauman Moscow State Technical University and Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
- Worked as engineer, astronaut and politician
