A 59-year-old Russian cosmonaut has made history by becoming the first person to spend 1,000 days in space, according to the Russian space agency Roscosmos. Oleg Kononenko achieved this remarkable milestone on Tuesday, marking his fifth journey to the International Space Station since 2008.
Kononenko’s current mission to the ISS began on September 15, 2023, when he launched alongside NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara and Russian Nikolai Chub. This record-breaking achievement comes after Kononenko surpassed the previous record of 878 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes, and 48 seconds set by fellow Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka in 2015.
If all goes as planned, Kononenko’s mission is set to end on September 23, 2024, with a total of 1,110 days spent in orbit. Reflecting on his accomplishment, Kononenko expressed his feelings of pride and confidence, stating that reaching this milestone was significant and allowed him to touch the unknown.
He also mentioned that his American colleagues on the ISS were quick to congratulate him on this extraordinary feat. Despite political tensions between the United States and Russia, the International Space Station remains a symbol of close cooperation between the two nations, with Roscosmos extending its partnership with NASA in transporting astronauts to the ISS until 2025.
Kononenko’s dedication to space exploration and his resilience in spending over 1,000 days in space highlight the incredible work and collaboration taking place aboard the ISS. This milestone serves as a testament to human ingenuity and the spirit of exploration that drives individuals like Kononenko to push the boundaries of what is possible in space.