Roscosmos State Corporation has widened the window for cosmonaut recruitment, extending the open program through March 2025. A senior spokesperson from the mission control arena explains that this extension gives interested candidates more time to complete the required documentation while the selection process remains rigorous. The news came as part of ongoing efforts to expand Russia’s manned space program and to ensure a steady influx of qualified personnel for future orbital missions and deep-space ambitions.
In a briefing, Roscosmos’ leadership indicated that the cosmonaut corps would see a careful intake of new members. Sergei Krikalev, the general director for manned programs, outlined a plan that envisions recruiting between four and six individuals. The final number will depend on the quality of applicants and the available resources to train them to the demanding standards of spaceflight. The emphasis is on selecting capable, highly educated candidates who have the right mix of technical expertise and physical readiness to operate in a high-stress, high-precision environment.
The selection drive began in Russia earlier in the year, with a clear on-ramp for applicants. Any Russian citizen under the age of 35 who holds a higher education degree in flight science, engineering, or a related field is encouraged to apply. The program welcomes people who bring practical experience, scientific curiosity, and a strong commitment to contributing to Russia’s space exploration goals. Applicants are guided through a multi-stage evaluation that includes medical examinations, physical tests, psychological assessments, and demonstrations of technical competence in relevant disciplines.
Earlier remarks from Yuri Borisov, the general director of Roscosmos, stressed the intention to strengthen collaboration with Russian private space enterprises. This partnership approach aims to integrate private sector innovations with Roscosmos’ extensive launch and mission capabilities, potentially accelerating development timelines and broadening the base of spaceflight expertise across the country. The collaboration is seen as a path to diversify the talent pool while maintaining stringent safety and quality standards for national space missions.
In related aerospace news, remarks from NASA indicated ongoing operations and scheduling considerations aboard the International Space Station. The agency noted a series of logistical challenges connected to cargo resupply missions, including coordinating cargo deliveries and spacecraft returns. The focus remains on maintaining a robust tempo of research and crewed activities aboard the ISS while ensuring the integrity of critical supply chains for sustaining long-duration missions in orbit.