Roscosmos cosmonauts talk about life on the ISS in the new season of the Heinrich Terahertz podcast of St Petersburg University
The first episode of the second season of the Heinrich Terahertz podcast of St Petersburg University has featured Expedition 71 crew members. Among them are: Oleg Kononenko, Hero of Russia, Сommander of the cosmonaut detachment; and Nikolai Chub and Alexander Grebenkin, test cosmonauts. The expedition crew members talked about scientific experiments conducted in orbit, their hobbies and favourite literary works.
In honour of the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg University, the cosmonauts congratulated the University on its anniversary from the International Space Station. In zero gravity, they signed the St Petersburg University flag, which was ceremoniously returned to the University this year. Now, it is one of the exhibits of the St Petersburg University History Museum.
Cosmonauts conduct unique research in outer space. They are creating biological materials and conducting experiments aimed at maintaining human autonomy in zero-gravity conditions without additional or constant support from Earth.
Outer space is not only science and technology, said the cosmonauts. It is a place where romance and dreams come true. Nikolai Chub, while on the International Space Station, admitted that even in zero gravity he continues to strive for new adventures. He has already made plans for his next expedition, because once space conquers you, it never lets you go.
Oleg Kononenko said that life in orbit is a unique balance between memories of Earth and dreams of the stars. "When we are at the station, we often think about our families, loved ones, and our home planet. On Earth, during training or communication with colleagues, we return again and again to conversations about space," he said.
Even in rare moments of rest, the cosmonauts remain true to their hobbies. Oleg Kononenko enjoys rereading classics, such as The Captain’s Daughter by Alexander Pushkin. Nikolai Chub admits that it is difficult to choose one favourite book from many. Alexander Grebenkin immerses himself in the world of scientific literature, continuing to be inspired by the mysteries of the Universe.
The podcast guests emphasise that space is not just a job, it is a lifestyle where science, dreams and romance are intertwined into one. Every day spent in orbit is a step towards new discoveries and new stories that inspire us all to look up and dream about the stars!
Oleg Kononenko, Commander of the cosmonaut team, holds the record for the total duration of stay in outer space. He spent more than 1,100 days outside the Earth, becoming the only person in the world to have exceeded the 1,000-day mark. Together with Nikolai Chub, they set a new record for the duration of stay on the ISS in one mission — 370 days, 21 hours, 22 minutes. Alexander Grebenkin, who joined them, spent 235 days in orbit.