An astronaut`s view of Earth from the International Space Station.
The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, has announced plans to produce a series of videos focused on rocket and space technology, specifically designed for individuals who are blind or partially sighted. The initial video in this innovative series, which eloquently describes the Earth`s majestic beauty as observed from orbit, was narrated by Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov, Alexey Zubritsky, and Oleg Platonov directly from the International Space Station (ISS).
By the end of 2025, Roscosmos intends to release several more videos featuring comprehensive audio descriptions. These upcoming productions will include cosmonauts vividly detailing a rocket launch sequence from the Baikonur Cosmodrome and providing insights into the appearance of a module on the ISS. These specialized recordings will be hosted on the `Special View` portal, a platform dedicated to serving people with visual impairments.
In the pioneering video, cosmonauts Ryzhikov, Zubritsky, and Platonov, while orbiting approximately 400 kilometers above our planet, offer detailed verbal accounts of various terrestrial features, including sprawling mountain ranges, arid desert landscapes, and the delicate atmosphere enveloping Earth.
“From an altitude of 400 kilometers, Earth appears incredibly fragile. When you look at it through the porthole, you want to preserve this world – everything we`ve experienced, everything we love, everything we work for. It`s all here. It`s important for us that space isn`t something distant and inaccessible. This project is another step towards making it closer for everyone,” Roscosmos quoted Ryzhikov as saying.
The state corporation emphasized that the three Russian cosmonauts underwent specialized training in audio description techniques. This rigorous training was designed to ensure their observations and impressions were conveyed with maximum accuracy and conciseness, enabling a rich experience for visually impaired audiences.
The script for the audio descriptions was collaboratively developed by experts from the `Special View` program, a part of the `Art, Science and Sport` Foundation. This foundation boasts over a decade of experience in fostering accessible environments and promoting socio-cultural inclusion across Russia, working closely with specialists from Roscosmos.
A Soyuz-2.1b rocket being prepared for launch at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Audio description, known as tiflkommentirovanie in Russian, is a specialized methodology aimed at making visual information accessible to individuals with impaired vision. An audio description specialist verbally interprets visual content, effectively translating images into descriptive words. This profession gained official recognition in Russia starting in 2025.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth