The flight of the Russian astronaut Oleh Skrypochka was followed by many people in Ukraine. The crew of the International Space Station (ISS), consisting of the Russian astronauts Oleksandr Kaleri and Oleh Skrypochka and the American astronaut Scott Kelly, executed a large program of scientific research while in orbit. They effectuated over 40 experiments, some of which had never been held at the ISS before. For example, they were the first people in the ISS’s history to manually undock the piloted vessel Soyuz. However, this rich program wasn’t the only reason why the Ukrainians took interest in Oleh Skrypochka — the other was that he comes form Zaporizhia, which makes him “one of ours,” in a way. Though Oleh Skrypochka finished his mission on March 16, when the whole ISS crew successfully landed in Kazakhstan, he first had to go through a rehabilitation period. As soon as this period was over and the astronaut found a little time, he agreed to a phone interview with The Day. We would like to specially thank Oleh Skrypochka’s mother Halyna, who helped to organize the interview.
Oleh, could you please tell us about your work at the ISS?
“At the station I worked according to the same ‘rules’ as on Earth. We had a working week and two days off. By the way, we could work during the weekend as well. However, it depended on our load and the desire of the crew. Our working days started with a conference with the Earth, during which we discussed the previous days and our plans for The Day.
“The space station is the crew’s technical laboratory, vessel and house at the same time. There’s a work zone at the station where the crew carry out their duties, operating the system and holding experiments. Besides, we had time for daily physical exercises. The astronauts have to stay fit so as to be able to return to Earth in good physical condition. If the connection is good it’s possible to call home from the station. Aside from the work, it was very interesting to take photos and watch the Earth’s surface: the mountains, the world ocean, and various interesting phenomena. The astronauts can spend their time in an interesting and beneficial way.”
You even can’t imagine how many Ukrainians followed your expedition! Do you feel any energy coming from Ukraine?
“Of course, I’m very pleased that many people intently watched our work. They probably watched the whole program, not just me.”
How did you become involved in astronautics?
“When I studied at the school No.№28 in Zaporizhia I accidentally learned from my classmates that our city had a group interested in space and rocket modeling. One day I came there with my friend, we talked to the director and were accepted. We had classes of astronautics history, engineering and rocket modeling, skydiving with the flying club and even diving.
“At that time in the Soviet Union, the Bauman Moscow State Technical University held Koroliov’s readings on astronautics, so we went to Moscow with our projects. Then I deci-ded to enter this university and work in the space sector, and to try to become an astronaut if I’m strong and healthy enough, but to work in the field in any case.”
Oleh, how do you remember Zaporizhia?
“Zaporihia is my second homeland, as I spent the bulk of my youth there. It’s natural that my friends and relatives are there. Being a student I always came there for the vacations. I think that I’ll keep coming there.”
What surprised you the most during the flight?
“A lot of astronauts say that the Earth seen from space is a unique sight, and I agree. When I first saw the horizon line under the black sky it seemed absolutely unreal. There were a lot of events that are difficult to describe in just a few words. But the sight of the Earth produced the brightest impression.”
Did you see Zaporizhia from space?
“Yes, I did. I could see everything very well: the streets, the buildings, the dam and Khortytsia.”
What did you eat at the space station?
“Our diet was very diverse. There’s a standard menu as well as additionally chosen food. We had a possibility to vary our menu on board due to the international status of the project. We could choose among Rus-sian, European and American dishes.”
Do you know the musician Oleh Skrypka?
“Of course, I do!” (Laughing.)
He recently said that you’re his “astral double,” and that flying into space is dangerous. Can you change his mind?
“As far as I understand, he joked about the ‘astral double’ (laughing). Of course, flying into space involves a certain risk, but in any case it’s very interesting and exciting. Maybe, he should try.”
