In a historic feat, 59-year-old Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononeko has surpassed all previous records for time spent in space, marking an incredible milestone of nearly two and a half years in orbit. On Sunday, he eclipsed the previous record held by compatriot Gennady Padalka, who logged 878 days, 11 hours, and almost 30 minutes in space.
Currently stationed aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Kononeko’s ongoing mission is projected to be a year-long endeavor. As of now, he is 141.5 days into this mission, and calculations suggest he will reach the remarkable milestones of 900 days on February 25, 1000 days on June 4, and 1100 days on September 12, with an anticipated landing around September 24, culminating in an astounding 1112 days in space.
Notably, Oleg Kononeko’s accomplishments extend beyond time in orbit. Alongside fellow Roscosmos cosmonaut Nikolai Chub, he recently conducted a 7-hour and 41-minute spacewalk. During this extravehicular activity, Kononeko and Chub meticulously inspected and photographed the Nauka multipurpose laboratory module while also isolating the radiator from Nauka’s cooling system.
Oleg Kononeko’s groundbreaking achievements underscore the dedication and contributions of Russian cosmonauts to humanity’s exploration of space. As he continues his mission aboard the ISS, his record-breaking tenure serves as a testament to the advancements and endurance of space exploration.
