Russia Launches Rigorous New Training Program For Future Space Cosmonauts

The space agency Roscosmos of Russia has officially begun the search for a new group of future cosmonauts. The agency published special videos to celebrate the announcement in which it revealed what type of training the successful applicants will undergo. The photos provide a glimpse to the general population on the hardcore and detailed preparation at Cosmonaut Training Centre.

The video depicts young men and women involved in physical and mental tests that were intended to challenge them. Other candidates are positioned inside a spinning human centrifuge that spins very fast, the reason being to evaluate the human body to its response of strong forces during launch and landing. The others are in a large pool of water which replicates the experience that the space has zero gravity.

Being a cosmonaut is not that simple. It is a very long and arduous training program and only the most robust candidates can last. During the pool exercises, the trainees are assisted to use the heavy spacesuits to practice how to move and work in water. This will make them ready to undergo spacewalks where they are required to make every movement slow, controlled and cautious.

The centrifuge tests are equally difficult. The more the machine is rotating, the more the candidates need to remain calm and focused. Physicians pay special attention to heart rates, respirations, and responses. Such tests assist the trainers in knowing who is able to cope with the pressure of real space missions.

Tougher Rules on Future Cosmonauts.

The requirements of anybody wishing to apply at Roscosmos are very clear. The candidates should be Russian citizens aged less than 35 years. They must have a science based college degree and three years of working experience in the field. Good knowledge in physics and mathematics is also needed.

Language skills are significant as well. The applicants have to speak English and one other foreign language either Italian, Spanish, German or French. They also undergo written and oral exams, space history, and world culture examination.

Body and Mind Under Surveillance.

The condition of the body is a significant factor in the choice. Applicants are required to be in top physical fitness with a height of 150-190 cm and weight of 50-90 kg. Even the shoe size is an issue and a maximum size of 46 is allowed.

The last selection is conducted by the Cosmonaut Training Centre and the major space and medical institutes. Few of them will go through each phase. To those who do, the expedition to space starts way before even going to Earth.

Watch the video here :