Earlier this month, on the 4th more precisely, Russian astronaut Oleg Kononenko reached a milestone historic upon completing 880 days in space, thus setting a new record for time away from Earth.
He surpassed the previous record, which belonged to his compatriot Gennady Padalka, who spent 878 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes and 48 seconds in orbit. Oleg Kononenko achieved the feat on Sunday, the 4th, at 5:30 am, Brasília time.
This is the fifth mission of Oleg Kononenko, aged 59, and according to information from the Russian News Agency (TASS, its acronym in Russian), he should remain in orbit until September 23rd this year, reaching the incredible milestone 1,100 days in space.
On June 5, he will also be the first human to spend a thousand days in orbit. Currently, he is carrying out his mission on the International Space Station, thus contributing to space exploration and research.
Astronaut breaks 2015 record
In an interview with Russian news agency TASS, Kononenko expressed his vision for the future of space exploration.
He emphasized the importance of building a space station that is a real home, larger, more comfortable and less dependent on Earth.
To this end, it recommended the improvement of energy regeneration systems wateroxygen supply and space debris recycling.
Their reflections point to a future in which human beings can live and work in space in a more sustainable and self-sufficient way.
Oleg Kononenko, Russian astronaut – Image: Reproduction.
Padalka, the previous record holder now surpassed by Oleg Kononenko, decided to retire in 2017, aged 58.
The decision was motivated by the fact that he realized that he would not have the opportunity to participate in a sixth mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and reach a thousand days in space.
During its fifth mission, Padalka surpassed the record previously held by Sergei Krikalev, who spent 803 days in space.
On June 29, 2015, Padalka increased this mark to an impressive 878 days, consolidating itself as one of the astronauts most experienced and dedicated in history.
