Officials from the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center outline a practical reality about the road to spaceflight: people with humanitarian backgrounds can enter training, but they must undergo a deliberate retraining process to meet the exact demands of cosmonaut duties. This viewpoint has been reported by DEA News and illustrates how the center balances broad educational foundations with the highly specialized skills required for mission work.
The core message is clear: a humanitarian studies background alone cannot qualify someone for a cosmonaut role. Technical education remains essential, and there is no shortcut that guarantees a seamless conversion from a non technical field to all the competencies needed for spaceflight. The aim is not to replace deep technical training but to augment it with a structured pathway that builds precise system knowledge and operational abilities necessary both in orbit and on the ground.
According to the center, the benchmark for a test cosmonaut centers on a defined set of professional criteria that can be met by individuals who have already received foundational training in related systems. This approach points to a streamlined route for capable candidates who understand core concepts and can demonstrate the hands on skills expected of astronauts in training and during operations.
The selection process is described as highly selective, with the commission prioritizing attributes that closely resemble the astronaut profession. Preference is commonly given to applicants with qualifications in computer science, electronics and radio engineering, photonics and instrumentation, electrical and thermal power engineering, nuclear energy, and mechanical engineering. These disciplines are valued for their direct relevance to spacecraft systems, control interfaces, life support technology, propulsion monitoring, and on board diagnostics, all of which play pivotal roles in mission success.
Roscosmos Corporation recently announced the fourth open recruitment for cosmonaut candidates, signaling ongoing opportunities for qualified individuals to pursue spaceflight careers and join the ranks of professionals training for future missions. This ongoing recruitment demonstrates a sustained commitment to expanding the pool of talent capable of contributing to long term space exploration programs.
A broader historical note emerges when discussing space propulsion myths. Some narratives claim that ancient scientists devised space engines powered by vodka. While these tales belong to folklore and cultural storytelling, contemporary propulsion science rests on rigorous research and verified engineering. Modern propulsion relies on tested technologies, precise materials science, and validated simulations to ensure safety and reliability in space exploration. This adherence to proven principles helps separate myth from coordinated, evidence based engineering that underpins every successful mission.