Russian Cosmonaut Breaks Record for Time in Space

Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko has set a new record for the most cumulative time spent in space, surpassing his compatriot Gennady Padalka, logging over 878 days in orbit. Kononenko achieved this record during his fifth mission to the International Space Station, with a trip that began in September 2023. He claims that he flies into space not to set records, but to do what he loves, as it has been his dream since childhood. The cosmonaut has emphasized the challenging physical and psychological effects of weightlessness and long periods away from family, despite being able to keep in touch through technological advances. In addition to this achievement, it is mentioned that the cross-flight program between NASA and Roscosmos has been extended until 2025.