Cosmonaut Pavel Vinogradov: A Spacewalk Record Holder with Explosive Secrets, 2023
Vinogradov has also conducted seven spacewalks in his cosmonaut career, and holds the record for the oldest person to perform a spacewalk.
Pavel Vladimirovich Vinogradov is a former cosmonaut and commander of the International Space Station. By January 2023, he had completed three space missions, including time spent aboard Mir and the International Space Station.
Notably, after his third spaceflight, Pavel Vinogradov ranked among the top 10 astronauts with the most cumulative time spent in space. He is also celebrated for his seven spacewalks during his cosmonaut career and holds the record as the oldest person to perform a spacewalk.
Early Life and Education
Pavel Vladimirovich Vinogradov, born on August 31, 1953, in Magadan, USSR, is a distinguished figure with a remarkable journey. He graduated from Anadyr’s High School in 1970, where he excelled in city school competitions in physics and mathematics. Subsequently, he pursued his education at the Moscow Aviation Institute, earning his degree in booster design in 1977. In 1980, he obtained qualifications as a computer systems analyst from the Department of Automated Design Systems.
Between 1977 and 1983, Vinogradov specialized in software development, focusing on automated interactive design systems for recoverable vehicles, aerodynamics, aerodyne arrangement design models, and computer graphics. In 1983, he embarked on a career with the Head Design Bureau of RSC Energia, where he was involved in tasks such as verifying flight procedures for Soyuz TM and Buran spacecraft and the development of automated crew training systems.
Vinogradov’s path to becoming a cosmonaut began in May 1992, when he joined the Energia cosmonaut corps. He received thorough training at the Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Centre (GCTC) from October 1992 to February 1994, then advanced test-cosmonaut training from May 1994 to February 1995. Along the way, he accrued 11 hours of flight time in an L-39 training airplane and successfully completed 29 parachute jumps.
Professional Career
Software development and early career
Pavel Vladimirovich Vinogradov, a former cosmonaut and International Space Station commander, boasts a remarkable spacefaring record with three missions, including stints aboard both the Mir and the ISS. His professional journey began in software development, where he specialized in various aspects, such as automated interactive designing systems for recoverable vehicles, aerodynamics, aerodyne arrangement design models, and computer graphics, from 1977 to 1983. Vinogradov graduated in booster design from the Moscow Aviation Institute in 1977 and later obtained a qualification in computer systems analysis in 1980.
He underwent rigorous training at the Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Centre (GCTC), including generic space training from October 1992 to February 1994 and advanced test-cosmonaut training from May 1994 to February 1995. Moreover, Vinogradov boasts 11 hours of experience in L-39 training airplanes and has successfully completed 29 parachute jumps, further solidifying his expertise and readiness for space missions.
Transition to the Head Design Bureau of RSC Energia
In 1983, Vinogradov began his tenure at the Head Design Bureau of RSC Energia. Here, he played a crucial role in verifying flight procedures for Soyuz TM and Buran spacecraft, as well as in the development of automated crew-training systems. Furthermore, he actively contributed to the preparation of launches for Soyuz TM, Buran, and Energia vehicles. This transition marked a pivotal moment in Vinogradov’s career, as he became instrumental in shaping spacecraft and training systems that ultimately paved the way for his own space missions.
Position held
Pavel Vladimirovich Vinogradov served as the Expedition Commander for two International Space Station (ISS) expeditions:
Expedition 13 (January 4, 2006–September 4, 2006):
- Vinogradov assumed command, succeeding William S. McArthur.
- Michael Lopez-Alegra succeeded him later.
Expedition 36 (May 13, 2013–September 13, 2013):
- Vinogradov took command, replacing Chris Hadfield.
- His successor was Fyodor Yurchikhin.
Spaceflight Experience
Selection as a cosmonaut in 1992
Pavel Vladimirovich Vinogradov entered the cosmonaut program on March 3, 1992. Over the next two years, he underwent training, which included generic space training at the Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Centre (GCTC) from October 1992 to February 1994. Following this, from May 1994 to February 1995, he completed advanced test-cosmonaut training. His journey in the field began in May 1992, when he became a cosmonaut candidate for the Energia RSC Cosmonaut Corps.
From October 1992 to February 1994, he underwent basic training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, earning certification as a test cosmonaut. Further advanced test-cosmonaut training was completed starting in May 1994. In May 1995, he assumed the role of a test cosmonaut within the 291st Department at the Energia RSC. Following a decision by the Russian Space Agency Panel, Vinogradov transitioned from the ISS crew team to serve as a backup crew flight engineer for the Mir-28 Expedition and later as a prime crew flight engineer for the Mir-29 Expedition.
Soyuz TM-26 mission to the Mir space station
Pavel Vinogradov served as the flight engineer aboard the Soyuz TM-26 on August 5, 1997, alongside cosmonaut Anatoly Solovyev. After two days of independent flight, the Soyuz spacecraft successfully docked with the Mir space station on August 7. During their mission, the crew undertook crucial repairs, including fixing the power cable and harness/connectors in the severely damaged Spektr module, as well as restoring lost power. Additionally, they addressed issues with the Mir’s oxygen generators.
Vinogradov, Solovyev, and ESA astronaut Léopold Eyharts safely returned to Earth on February 19, 1998. The Soyuz capsule landed approximately 30 kilometers from Arkalyk at 09:10 UTC. Over the course of this mission, Vinogradov spent an impressive 197 days, 17 hours, and 34 minutes in space.
Expedition 13 and mission to the International Space Station
In January 2004, Vinogradov commenced his training as the ISS Expedition 13 crew commander. This mission was launched via Soyuz TMA-8, carrying Vinogradov and NASA astronaut Jeffrey Williams, from the Baikonour Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 29, 2006. Vinogradov served as the Soyuz commander, and after two days of independent flight, the Soyuz TMA-8 spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS on March 31, 2006. During their mission, Vinogradov and Williams facilitated the hosting of two NASA shuttle crews aboard the ISS.
Space Shuttle Discovery‘s visit to the ISS occurred between July 6 and July 15, 2006, as part of mission STS-121. This mission aimed to test new safety and repair techniques introduced after the Columbia disaster. It also involved delivering essential supplies, equipment, and ESA astronaut Thomas Reiter from Germany to the ISS.
From September 9 to September 21, Space Shuttle Atlantis carried out STS-115, another significant shuttle mission. During this mission, the shuttle delivered the P3/P4 truss and its solar wings to the ISS.
The Soyuz capsule, carrying Vinogradov, undocked from the ISS at 5:53 p.m. EDT on September 28, 2006, and landed in the steppes of Kazakhstan near Arkalyk at 9:13 p.m. EDT. Vinogradov’s crew included NASA astronaut Jeffrey Williams and Spaceflight participant Anousheh Ansari. In total, Vinogradov spent an impressive 182 days, 23 hours, and 44 minutes in space, combining his time on board the Soyuz spacecraft and the ISS.
Expeditions 35 and 36
Pavel flew with ISS Expeditions 35 and 36, from March to September 2013. On May 12, 2013, Pavel assumed command of the International Space Station.
Total time in space and notable accomplishments
Pavel Vladimirovich Vinogradov boasts an impressive 546 days, 22 hours, and 32 minutes spent in space across his three missions, ranking him among the top 10 astronauts for total space-time. His space journey includes missions aboard Mir and the International Space Station. Notably, he commanded Expedition 13 to the International Space Station, commencing on March 31, 2006.
During his space adventures, Vinogradov completed three spacewalks, totaling 20 hours and 1 minute, and even hosted two NASA shuttle crews. He also holds the distinction of being the oldest person to perform a spacewalk. Vinogradov’s diverse career spans expertise in software development, automated interactive design systems for recoverable vehicles, aerodynamics, aerodyne arrangement design models, computer graphics, and more. His remarkable contributions earned him the Hero of the Russian Federation medal.
Spacewalks
Overview of Pavel Vinogradov’s seven spacewalks
Pavel Vladimirovich Vinogradov, a seasoned cosmonaut, has an impressive track record of seven spacewalks throughout his career, accumulating a total extravehicular activity (EVA) time of 38 hours and 25 minutes. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the oldest person to have ever conducted a spacewalk.
Here is a concise summary of Vinogradov’s seven spacewalks:
| August 22, 1997 | Vinogradov embarked on his first spacewalk alongside fellow cosmonaut Anatoly Solovyov. During this excursion, they connected power cables, inspected damage on the Spektr module, and retrieved equipment, with the spacewalk lasting 3 hours and 16 minutes. |
| October 20, 1997 | Vinogradov conducted his second career spacewalk inside the Spektr module with Anatoly Solovyov. The duo began their spacewalk at 9:40 UTC. The spacewalk ended at 16:18 UTC. The duration of the spacewalk was 6 hours and 38 minutes. |
| November 3, 1997 | Vinogradov, again with Anatoly Solovyov, completed his third spacewalk. Their tasks included dismantling solar panels and deploying Sputnik 40, with the spacewalk spanning 6 hours and 4 minutes. |
| November 6, 1997 | Vinogradov’s fourth spacewalk, once more with Anatoly Solovyov, involved the installation of solar panels. This spacewalk lasted 6 hours and 12 minutes. |
| January 8, 1998 | Vinogradov completed his fifth career spacewalk, again with Anatoly Solovyov. The duo retrieved equipment and repaired the leaking EVA hatch. The spacewalk began at 23:08 UTC and ended at 02:14 UTC. The excursion lasted 3 hours and 6 minutes. |
| June 2, 2006 | Vinogradov conducted his sixth career spacewalk alongside NASA astronaut Jeffrey Williams. Their mission encompassed repairs and experiments on the space station’s exterior, extending to a duration of 6 hours and 31 minutes, going slightly over their planned schedule. |
| June 16, 2006 | Vinogradov and Williams embark on their second spacewalk together, lasting 6 hours and 15 minutes. During this outing, they installed a new camera and a Global Positioning System antenna on the International Space Station (ISS). |
| July 23, 2013 | Vinogradov and cosmonaut Roman Romanenko conducted a spacewalk lasting 6 hours and 38 minutes. Their tasks included equipment installation and experiments outside the ISS. |
| August 16, 2013 | Their second joint spacewalk on August 16, 2013, spanned 5 hours and 58 minutes. During this excursion, Vinogradov and Romanenko continued their work on equipment installation and experiments outside the ISS |
Personal Life
Family Background
Pavel Vinogradov, the renowned astronaut, comes from a family with diverse professional backgrounds. His mother, Lydia Safronovna Vinogradova, was an accountant for most of her life and is now enjoying a well-deserved retirement. Pavel’s father, Vladimir Pavlovich, previously worked as an engineer. It’s possible that Pavel’s father’s career influenced his decision to become a cosmonaut. Pavel also has a brother, Evgeny, who chose a different path and now works as a depot master in Moscow.
Pavel’s wife, Irina Valentinovna, works as an engineer at RKK “Energy,” which leads to frequent discussions of space-related topics within the family. Additionally, Pavel has three children: Ronald and Victoria from his first marriage, and Catherine from his second marriage. Catherine is currently enrolled in a Lyceum with a focus on mathematics and physics, showing a potential interest in following in her parents’ footsteps.
Interests and hobbies
Pavel Vladimirovich Vinogradov has a diverse range of interests and hobbies, which include game sports, the history of aviation and cosmonautics, and astronomy. He possesses a well-rounded background in engineering, software development, and spaceflight. Vinogradov has also undergone advanced training in cosmonautics, accumulating 11 hours of training in an L-39 airplane and completing 29 parachute jumps. Furthermore, he holds the prestigious Hero of the Russian Federation medal.
Awards and Recognitions
Pavel Vladimirovich Vinogradov, a distinguished cosmonaut and engineer, has garnered a series of prestigious awards and honors throughout his remarkable career. Notable among these accolades are:
- Hero of the Russian Federation Medal
- Order “For Merit to the Fatherland” IV Class
- Order of Courage
- Medal “For Merit in Space Exploration”
In addition to his exceptional recognition, Vinogradov boasts an impressive achievement as one of the top 10 astronauts worldwide in terms of cumulative space mission duration. Furthermore, he holds the esteemed title of the oldest individual to have ever conducted a spacewalk.
Turning Points
Key moments or decisions that shaped Pavel Tyo Vladimirovich’s life
Growing up in Chukotka and completing high school are just two of the significant events and decisions that shaped Pavel Vladimirovich Vinogradov’s life. He began his career as an apprentice turner in 1970 and steadily advanced to the second level. In 1977, he completed his education in pharmaceutical production and successfully finished his training at the Moscow Aviation Institute in 1980. His journey as an engineer, starting in 1978, involved participation in trials related to the ‘Storm’ program. Over time, he climbed the career ladder, ultimately becoming the head of the Scientific-Production Association’s ‘Energy’ sector by 1992.
Despite unsuccessful attempts to enter the State Duma in 1992 and 2009, Vinogradov excelled in swimming and wrestling, achieving the 2nd grade in both disciplines and earning numerous awards from Russia and NASA. His diverse interests encompassed astronomy, the history of space and aviation, as well as various sports. Additionally, he specialized in software development, focusing on automated interactive design systems for recoverable vehicles, aerodynamics, aerodyne arrangement design models, and computer graphics from 1977 to 1983. Vinogradov’s career took a significant turn in 1983 when he joined the Head Design Bureau of RSC Energia.
There, he was involved in critical tasks such as flight procedure verification for Soyuz-TM and Buran spacecraft, the development of automated crew training systems, and more. He also played a vital role in the launch preparation of the Soyuz-TM, Buran spacecraft, and Energia rockets. His journey continued when he was selected for the cosmonaut program on March 3, 1992, followed by two years of rigorous training.
Although he served as the backup flight engineer for the Soyuz TM-22 flight, launched on September 3, 1995, his assignment to the Soyuz TM-24 flight was derailed due to the flight commander’s heart problems. Vinogradov’s space exploration journey extended with his participation in ISS Expeditions 35 and 36 from March to September 2013, culminating in his assumption of command over the International Space Station on May 12, 2013. Throughout his cosmonaut career, he conducted seven spacewalks and achieved the remarkable distinction of being the oldest person to perform a spacewalk.”
Other
In 2014, the subject of this article was considered for an upcoming expedition, but this preliminary information was later unconfirmed. Pavel Vinogradov‘s biography is remarkably diverse. In 1999, he assumed the role of Vice President of the Federation of Cosmonautics. Then, in 2003, he ventured into politics, representing one of Moscow’s districts. During the same year, he made an attempt to join the State Duma, which didn’t succeed.
Another attempt was made in 2009, with similar results. In addition to his impressive space career, Vinogradov excelled in swimming and wrestling, achieving a 2nd-grade ranking in both sports and receiving numerous awards from both Russia and NASA. Astronomy, space history, aviation, and various sports are among his keen interests. Pavel Vladimirovich is truly a well-rounded individual, capable of excelling in a wide array of endeavors.
Legacy
Enduring influence and impact on the world
Pavel Vladimirovich Vinogradov’s impact on the world is profound, stemming from his remarkable contributions to space exploration as a cosmonaut and engineer. Here are some key highlights:
- With a combined total of 546 days, 22 hours, and 32 minutes spent in space during his three spaceflights, Vinogradov ranks among the top 10 astronauts for total time in space.
- He has completed an impressive seven spacewalks, accumulating 38 hours and 25 minutes of extravehicular activity. Remarkably, Vinogradov also holds the record for being the oldest person to ever perform a spacewalk.
- As an engineer and software developer, his work significantly advanced spacecraft development and crew-training systems, including contributions to the Soyuz TM and Buran spacecraft.
- Vinogradov’s involvement in the US/Russian Shuttle-Mir Program played a pivotal role in fostering international cooperation in space exploration.
- His achievements as a cosmonaut and as the commander of the International Space Station serve as an inspiration for future generations of space enthusiasts and scientists.
- Pavel Vinogradov has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions for his exceptional contributions to space exploration, including the Hero of the Russian Federation medal, the Order “For Merit to the Fatherland” IV class, the Order of Courage, and the Medal “For Merit in Space Exploration.”
- Beyond his professional life, Vinogradov’s diverse interests and hobbies, encompassing game sports, the history of aviation and cosmonautics, and astronomy, have played a pivotal role in nurturing public interest in space exploration and science.
Conclusion
Pavel Vladimirovich Vinogradov‘s journey began in the Russian wilderness, where he honed his skills as an engineer. With time, he ventured beyond Earth’s bounds, becoming a space hero with three missions, including a record-breaking spacewalk as the oldest person to ever do so.
His love for the cosmos is matched only by his love for astronomy, and his legacy shines as brightly as the stars he’s explored. Awards and honors have rightfully recognized his remarkable contributions. While the details of his post-space life remain shrouded, his impact on science and space exploration is crystal clear.
