Russian Movie in Space Part 9

The ISS-66 back-up crew were "launched′′ to the ISS, for the first time

In our last two Blogs, we mentioned that we would focus our attention on the back-up crew for Soyuz MS-19. The mainstream media tend to cover the prime crew, so we want to restore some balance.

This week, the whole crew, including the Soyuz commander, Oleg Artemyev took part in joint training, in the Soyuz MS simulator, for the first time. Let's see how this important session worked out.

′′It seems that they are excellent!", cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev shared his impressions of the first joint training, of the back-up crew the ISS-66 mission. The previous day, he and his colleagues on the upcoming expedition which is part of the movie, scientific and educational project ′′ Challenge ", held a their first full session on the ′′Soyuz MS ′′ simulator, at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training, while wearing their Sokol (Falcon) spacesuits.

During the training of the crew of Artemyev, camera operator for the film ′′ Challenge ′′ Alexey Dudin and actress Alena Mordovina performed the programme related to a routine launch to the ISS. This involved preparation for the launch followed by the ascent to orbit, of the Soyuz MS, inspection of sealing of compartments and systems of the ship after separation from the carrier rocket, orbital maneuvering and preparation for docking with the International Space Station. At all stages the crew worked competently and as a team.

Oleg Artemyev, being in the middle seat of the descent module, does not have the ability to reach all the controls of the ship, so some functions are carried out by the other crew members, even though they are not professional cosmonauts.

During the routine, Alena Mordovina, sitting on the right, had to operate valves, including those supplying oxygen to the descent module, and to control the pumping of any condensate. When checking the spacesuits for tightness, Alexey Dudin worked the valves that supply oxygen in spacesuits.

′′There was no tension just because they were not professional astronauts in the adjacent seats, and on the contrary, as a commander I was able to organize the work of the crew." said Oleg Artemyev.

"It was important to check what they have learned over the last two months, and it turned out that they know everything, learn quickly, they can carry out the work allocated, according to my instructions ".

He added that he was fortunate to have in his crew two people who are focused, and who want to learn.

"Alexey, will help me in case of emergency situations" added Artemyev. "He has onboard documentation ready, and will be able to open anything necessary at a moments notice. In addition to her main responsibilities, Alyona will have to record all the situations arising onboard on her tablet that will have to be reported to Earth. It's also a great responsibility and help ".

Writing on her own Social Media channels, Alyona Mordovina hinted that she is still focused on a prime crew seat (and the lead role in the Movie) by writing, "So proud to be part of our team. With this crew, I know I won't be scared when we go up in the rocket! It's like a miracle"

In total, the main and duplicate crews of the ISS-66 will undertake six such joint training sessions in the Soyuz MS simulator. As these progess, off-nominal, or emergency situations will be introduced and the crew will have to adapt to deal with these scenarios.

In September, just after the final examination are undertaken, the decision will be taken on whether the prime crew, or back-up crew, will make the flight, on 5th October.

Images by courtesy Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre

Words by Tony Quine