GW2RU
GW2RU

Where do cosmonauts prepare for flights? In the Star City settlement in the Moscow Region!

Grigory Sysoev / Sputnik
The ‘Yuri Gagarin’ Cosmonaut Training Center, established in 1960, is located there. The settlement is closed to the public, but you can enter either on a tour or as a candidate for a flight into space. The first is easier!
Ilya Pitalev / Sputnik

What can you see? For example, the local CF-18 centrifuge, the largest in the world. This simulator determines what space overloads a person is ready to bear.

Stanislav Krasilnikov / TASS

And, in the swimming pool, they simulate weightlessness conditions and practice various situations in space. There are also other simulators, spacesuits, and spaceship models.

Roman Sokolov / Sputnik
Roman Sokolov / Sputnik

In addition, the Center’s museum stores Yuri Gagarin’s personal belongings, items that have been in space and scientific equipment used by cosmonauts.    

Stanislav Krasilnikov / TASS

And, if you want to feel weightlessness, you can fly in a real Il-76 ‘MDK’ training airplane simulator. In it, you will feel the lunar and Martian gravity. 

Ilya Pitalev / Sputnik

You must book the tour at least 21 working days in advance, while foreign citizens – a minimum of 60 days in advance.

Ilya Pitalev / Sputnik