Although in the half century that has passed since the first manned flight into space, the astronaut profession has ceased to be perceived as unusual, it continues to be rare, and the biographies of its representatives are still of interest. For example, many will want to know what expeditions Valery Polyakov (cosmonaut) took part in.
Biography
The future cosmonaut was born in Tula on April 27, 1942. In 1960, Valery graduated from school number 4 in his native city and went to the capital, where he entered the First Moscow Medical Institute. In 1965 he received a medical degree. Then he continued his studies, first at the clinical residency of the Institute of Medical Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and then at the graduate school of the IBMP of the USSR Ministry of He alth. He defended his PhD thesis. After 4 years, he was selected to the first cosmonaut squad of the IBMP. However, Valery Polyakov was able to become a member only on the second attempt. As it turned out, fulfilling the dream and seeing the Earth from the window of the space station was even more difficult than the youngscientist.
First flight
Valery Polyakov had to wait 8 years to be included in the expedition and made his first space flight on August 29, 1988, for which he was awarded the "Gold Star" of the Hero of the USSR. Together with him, V. Lyakhov and A. Ahad Mohmand entered the crew. The latter became the first astronaut in the history of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan.
Was in orbit until April 27, 1989. During the expedition, which lasted 240 days and 23 hours, he worked with B. Titov and M. Manarov, S. Krikalev and A. Volkov, and with the Frenchman J.-L. Chrétien.
Second flight
Another expedition that Valery Polyakov went on began in January 1994 and lasted until March 22, 1995. Thus, the cosmonaut spent more than 437 days in the Earth's orbit, which at the moment is an absolute record for the duration of a person's stay in space during one flight. For the successful implementation of the project, upon returning to earth, Valery Vladimirovich received the title of Hero of the Russian Federation.
During the expedition, more than six hundred experiments were carried out, including unique ones. At the same time, Polyakov, along with other crew members, more than once got into emergency situations. For example, after a fire in one of the generators, the task arose to inform the Earth so as not to create unnecessary panic.
According to Valery Polyakov himself, the commander of the ship A. Viktorenko recalled him to the next module and they prayed together. It turned out that faith helps not only on earth, but also in heaven. The fire wasextinguished, and everything, fortunately, worked out.
SFINCSS experiment
Viktor Polyakov is a specialist with a wide range of scientific interests. In 2000, he took part in the SFINCSS experiment, which consisted of simulating a long-term space flight of an international crew in order to study the characteristics of interpersonal interaction of groups consisting of representatives of different nationalities.
In addition, Polyakov is the author of 50 scientific papers on space medicine, which are published even in foreign authoritative publications.
About flights to other planets
Viktor Polyakov believes that long-distance expeditions are possible. He regrets that due to his age he will not be able to take part in such a project.
As a living example of a long existence aboard a spaceship, the scientist names himself. Indeed, during his stay in space, he received 15 x-rays of radiation, which is comparable to the dose that "gets" those who go to Mars.
In addition, such a flight is unlikely to be possible in the near future, until 2030, and by then, the astronaut believes, scientists will certainly improve the protection of the ship that will go on an interplanetary journey.
According to Valery Vladimirovich, one can fly in space for quite a long time. The main thing is not to let the body adapt to weightlessness. Therefore, the astronaut must work hard physically “upstairs” in order to return home as a he althy person.
Polyakov's opinion on this issue is considered the most authoritative in the world, sincehe proved the possibility of prolonged exposure to weightlessness without loss of muscle and skeletal function in his own experience.
Awards
In addition to the two "Stars of the Hero" - the Russian Federation and the USSR - flaunting on the chest of cosmonaut Valery Polyakov, he has the French Order of the Legion of Honor. In addition, he is the holder of the highest award of the long-defunct Democratic Republic of Afghanistan.
Family
Cosmonaut Valery Polyakov is married. His wife worked for many years as a neuropathologist, now retired. They have a daughter who was born in 1965. She continued the family tradition and also received her medical education. Works as an ophthalmologist. He is a doctor of sciences. Valery Polyakov also has a granddaughter and a grandson.
Now you know what expeditions cosmonaut-researcher Valery Polyakov took part in, whose photo is presented above, you also know some details of his biography.
