Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko has made history by breaking the world record for the most cumulative time spent in space, according to Russia’s space agency Roscosmos. At the age of 59, Kononenko has now spent over 878 days and 12 hours in space, surpassing the previous record set by fellow Russian Gennady Padalka in 2015.
Kononenko’s remarkable achievement comes after five journeys to the International Space Station (ISS) since 2008. Each trip required meticulous preparation due to the constant upgrades of the space station. However, for Kononenko, being a cosmonaut and living his childhood dream outweighed any challenges he faced.
“I fly into space to do what I love, not to set records. I’ve dreamt of and aspired to become a cosmonaut since I was a child. That interest—the opportunity to fly into space, to live and work in orbit—motivates me to continue flying,” Kononenko shared with Russian state news agency TASS.
Currently on his latest trip to the ISS, which began on September 15, 2023, Kononenko launched alongside NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara and Roscosmos compatriot Nikolai Chub. By the end of this expedition, he is expected to become the first person to accumulate 1,000 days in space.
The International Space Station serves as a symbol of cooperation between the United States and Russia, despite the strained relations following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In December, Roscosmos announced that its cross-flight program with NASA, responsible for transporting astronauts to the ISS, had been extended until 2025.
Kononenko’s record-breaking achievement highlights the dedication and passion of astronauts who venture into space. Their commitment to exploration and scientific research pushes the boundaries of human knowledge and inspires future generations to reach for the stars. As we celebrate Kononenko’s accomplishment, we look forward to witnessing the continued collaboration between nations in the pursuit of space exploration.
