Embed

To Be a Cosmonaut

Russian cosmonaut candidates show what it takes to shoot for the stars

Kids all over the world say they want to become cosmonauts when they grow up. For most, dreams of space-bound heroics are sacrificed to reality or just forgotten along the path to adulthood. There are some though who refuse to let it go so easily. Like cosmonaut hopefuls, Irina, Konstantin and Andrey, who shoot for the stars in the latest recruitment campaign run by Russia’s state space agency, Roscosmos.

Andrey,Konstantin and Irina – are all aiming to become cosmonauts in the Russian space agency’s open contest.

The aspiring space explorers come from diverse backgrounds: Irina is a medical doctor specialising in sport, an athlete and an avid traveller. Konstantin works as a business consultant but studied aviation to qualify. Andrey, the aeronautic engineer, is a family man, who devotes almost all of his spare time to physical training and studying maths.

Applicants must undergo a thorough medical examination before proceeding to the next selection stages.

They are among 420 applicants who will undergo a rigorous selection process. The perfect candidates have to tick all the boxes, including academic qualifications, be in tip-top physical shape, mental health and have a reasonable command of English. There are even specific criteria regarding height, weight and other measurements. In the end, only eight will be chosen to train in Star City to work on the International Space Station and perhaps future missions aboard the new-generation Federatsia spaceship… to the Moon.

It's said that Russia’s new cosmonauts will embark on a whole new mission, not just an “ordinary” tour of duty aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Up to six Russian cosmonauts may take the Federatsia spacecraft to the moon. / Roscosmos

This is a unique film following the selection process from the beginning in 2017. As the three candidates train and prepare for rounds of demanding medical tests and intense interviews, they show what it takes to become a cosmonaut and how to turn a dream into a plan!

Follow stories the mainstream media ignores: Follow RTD's Twitter

WATCH TRAILER
Please rate this film

9.13(30 users)

Published: 12 April 2019 00:30

Duration

27:43

Tags
Watch this film in Russian

don't miss

26:33
Space 11 April 2018 00:00

I Need More Space. Cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin’s long road to the stars

26:33
Space 16 April 2012 00:00

Star squad

26:33
Emergencies and Disasters 22 April 2013 00:00

Chelyabinsk skyfall. The meteor blast that terrified a Russian town & injured 100s

26:33
Space 24 June 2013 00:00

Valentina Tereshkova: Seagull in space

26:33
Space 26 November 2014 00:00

Escape to Mars. Russian woman signs up for a one-way ticket to the Red Planet

26:33
Space 17 March 2014 00:00

Gagarin. A genuine hero turned timeless Russian icon, by those who knew him

26:33
Lifestyle 27 December 2023 12:00

How I Became a Cosmonaut. How a regular guy's aspiration to become a cosmonaut came true

26:33
Professions 21 December 2015 00:00

High Flyers. Russia's Top Guns Showcase their Aviation Skills

26:33
Professions 04 July 2016 00:00

Cold Rush. Drilling For Oil Amid Arctic Ice

26:33
Lifestyle 26 January 2018 00:00

Rad or Dead. Rooftoppers defy death for internet fame

26:33
Crime and Terrorism 02 April 2018 00:00

After Terror . Survivors carry on after major terror attacks in Russia

26:33
Personalities 19 May 2017 00:00

Skybound. Downed in the wilderness, he lost both legs but kept on flying

26:33
History 18 September 2012 00:00

Borodino: Version 2012. Anniversary re-enactment of Napoleon’s key Russian battle

26:33
Travel and Adventure 18 March 2013 00:00

Surviving the cold

26:33
Society 08 April 2013 00:00

A home for the homeless. Ex-con founds shelter to help released inmates get back on track

26:33
Society 22 April 2013 00:00

Imprisoned by Insanity. Criminally insane offenders rediscover their humanity through art therapy

26:33
Lifestyle 24 August 2020 18:00

The Wizard of Agarkovo . Real-life ‘Hagrid’ from a Russian village

26:33
Military and War 05 October 2020 20:00

Beware of tanks! Tanks roll for sport to win your heart

26:33
Professions 05 May 2021 17:00

Cinderfella. How a regular street cleaner became a fashion model

26:33
Crime and Terrorism 31 December 2021 13:20

Inside One of Russia’s most Notorious Jails

VIEWER’S CHOICE: 1,000,000 VIEWS AND MORE

VIEW ALL