At the 5th International Children’s Cultural Forum, participants met cosmonaut Ivan Vagner during the “Star Team”session organized by the State Space Corporation Roscosmos.
The cosmonaut spoke about his path into the profession, preparations for space missions, and life aboard the International Space Station. There were plenty of questions: the participants wanted to know everything, from his first steps toward becoming a cosmonaut to unusual moments in orbit.
• How did you become a cosmonaut?
“Space fascinated me from an early age. I grew up near a cosmodrome, and together with other children I would go outside to watch rocket launches. Later, I looked for ways to connect my career with space and gradually worked toward that goal.”
• How do you keep pursuing a dream when it takes years to achieve?
“Every time you work toward your dream, you get a little closer to it. The main thing is not to give up and to keep moving forward, even when it gets difficult.”
• Can you defend your thesis from space?
“Yes! While I was aboard the International Space Station, I managed to defend my graduation thesis remotely: I presented my project to the examination committee and answered their questions — all while in orbit.”
• What do cosmonauts take with them into space?
“Besides work materials, you can also bring personal belongings that remind you of home. Some of the more unusual items have included models of the Earth and even an alien mask that could be used to prank crewmates. There is also a guitar on the station — music helps create a sense of normal life even in orbit.”
Ahead of the meeting, Forum participants wrote down their questions for cosmonauts and placed them in a special Roscosmos container. Video answers were prepared by active Russian test cosmonauts Alexey Zubritsky, Dmitry Petelin, and Sergey Ryzhikov.
The participants wanted to know how crews maintain team spirit during long-duration missions, which books and films about space are closest to reality, and what helps cosmonauts cope with challenges.
The cosmonauts explained that during long missions, respect for crewmates, the ability to support one another, and emotional self-control are especially important. According to them, a strong crew is built through joint training, while trust and mutual support help the team handle any task.
