jfid – Sergei Krikalev was a Soviet cosmonaut who faced a tragic fate during his mission on the Mir space station in 1991. He ended up stranded in space for an extended period because his home country, the Soviet Union, dissolved.
Krikalev was supposed to spend only 5 months on Mir, from May to October 1991. However, when he was scheduled to return, the Russian government, which had replaced the Soviet Union, refused to bring him back. The reason cited was the lack of funds and priority to repatriate a cosmonaut.
Moreover, the rocket’s launch site in Kazakhstan was no longer under Russian control as Kazakhstan had declared independence. Krikalev had no designated landing spot.
As a result, Krikalev had to wait until March 1992, 10 months after his departure, to return to Earth. He was aided by the German government, which agreed to cover the cost of his return.
During his time in space, Krikalev faced various physical and psychological challenges. His body weakened due to muscle and bone mass loss. His immune system changed, making him more susceptible to diseases. He also experienced boredom and stress, surrounded only by the black sky with no entertainment.
Krikalev was known as the “last Soviet person” because he was the final astronaut to depart under the Soviet flag and return under the Russian flag. Despite this, he did not suffer trauma from his experience and continued his career as an astronaut until 2005. He even became the first person to visit the International Space Station (ISS).
Krikalev’s story illustrates the immense challenges and risks faced by astronauts. They willingly leave behind their families, friends, and homelands to explore space for the advancement of science and humanity.
