Andrey Fedyaev, the Russian cosmonaut preparing for his second flight to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the American Crew Dragon spacecraft next year, has officially commenced his final qualification examination process.
These comprehensive qualifying tests are currently being conducted using the simulator for the Russian Segment of the ISS. Successful completion of these exams is essential, as the results will determine Fedyaev’s readiness and certification for long-duration operations aboard the orbital outpost.
The Crew-12 Mission Details
The upcoming mission, designated Crew-12, is scheduled to launch no earlier than February 15, 2026, according to official reports. The multinational crew will include Fedyaev, NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, and European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot of France.
A Recent Crew Change
Fedyaev’s assignment to the American spacecraft’s crew was finalized quite recently. Initially, the position was allocated to veteran cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, who had previously flown three times on the Russian Soyuz spacecraft. However, an update on December 1st to the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) website revealed Fedyaev replacing Artemyev.
Later, Roscosmos confirmed the crew change, explaining that Artemyev was reassigned to a different role within the space agency structure.
Making Space History
Fedyaev joined the cosmonaut corps on April 25, 2013. His inaugural space journey took place between March 2 and September 4, 2023. He traveled both to and from the International Space Station aboard the American Crew Dragon spacecraft.
He was the second Russian citizen to fly on the Crew Dragon, following Anna Kikina, whose flight occurred from October 5, 2022, to March 12, 2023.
Since no prior announcements had been made regarding Fedyaev’s participation in any other upcoming ISS mission crews, this makes him the first Russian cosmonaut scheduled to fly aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft for a second time, marking a significant milestone in Russian participation in US commercial crew programs.
Clement Ashworth