Launched Before the Fall
Sergei Krikalev, a Soviet cosmonaut, was launched into space on May 18, 1991, aboard the Mir space station. He began his mission as a citizen of the Soviet Union, with plans for a standard stay in orbit.
Stranded in Space
During his mission, the Soviet Union dissolved in December 1991. Krikalev, now in space, suddenly found himself without a country. The Russian space program lacked the funds to bring him back, leaving him stranded for months beyond his original mission schedule.
A Long Wait Ends
After 311 days, Krikalev finally returned to Earth on March 25, 1992. He landed as a citizen of a newly formed Russia, having spent the longest continuous time in space at that point.
Honored for His Service
Upon his return, Krikalev was celebrated for his endurance and contribution to space exploration. He went on to complete several more missions, eventually becoming one of the most experienced astronauts in history, with a total of 803 days in space over six missions.
The Last Soviet Cosmonaut
Launched Before the Fall
Sergei Krikalev, a Soviet cosmonaut, was launched into space on May 18, 1991, aboard the Mir space station. He began his mission as a citizen of the Soviet Union, with plans for a standard stay in orbit.Stranded in Space… pic.twitter.com/Mm8bpuIXQS
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