From Spacewalks to Everest: Cosmonaut Sergey Ryazansky's Extraordinary Journey

Sergey Ryazansky, a well-known Russian cosmonaut, recently visited Vladivostok to take part in Sber’s Business Fest. With two spaceflights totalling 305 days and four spacewalks under his belt, he brings a wealth of experience from his time aboard the International Space Station (ISS). His career stretches far beyond space, including achievements like summiting Mount Everest.

Born in Moscow on November 13, 1974, Ryazansky’s journey to becoming a cosmonaut was demanding. Aspiring candidates must pass over 150 exams and tests in their first two years of training alone. Once in space, the workload remains intense—cosmonauts follow a packed schedule with no days off during their six-month missions.

Life on the ISS is unlike anything on Earth. The station is constantly 'alive,' emitting creaks, rattles, and vibrations as it orbits. Ryazansky has described adapting to Earth after a mission as harder than adjusting to weightlessness in space. His skills extend beyond piloting: he can program, perform surgical procedures, and conduct complex scientific experiments while in orbit. Ryazansky has a strong connection to Vladivostok. He has visited the city multiple times to deliver lectures and has captured many photographs of it from space. His four spacewalks totalled 27 hours and 35 minutes outside the station, adding to his reputation as one of Russia’s most accomplished cosmonauts.

Ryazansky’s career highlights both the rigours of space exploration and the challenges of returning to Earth. His expertise spans scientific research, extreme mountaineering, and public engagement through lectures and photography. The cosmonaut’s visit to Vladivostok underscores his ongoing commitment to sharing his extraordinary experiences with the public.