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Yuri Gidzenko
Russian pilot and cosmonaut
Russian pilot and cosmonaut
Russian cosmonaut and pilot known for commanding multiple Soyuz missions and contributing to long-duration human spaceflight.
Born in the Rostov region of Russia, Gidzenko trained as a fighter pilot before joining the cosmonaut corps in 1990.
He made his first spaceflight as commander of Soyuz TM-22 to the Mir space station in 1995.
During his career, he commanded multiple missions, including Soyuz TM-17, and served on the inaugural expedition to the International Space Station.
Across three missions, he logged over 180 days in space, contributing to scientific research and international cooperation.
After retiring in 1999, he took on leadership and training roles at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.
His achievements helped pave the way for sustained human presence in orbit.
Yuri Gidzenko