Anna Kikina
Russian engineer and cosmonaut (born 1984)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Anna Yuryevna Kikina (Russian: Анна Юрьевна Кикина; born 27 August 1984) is a Russian engineer and cosmonaut, selected in 2012.[1] She is the only female cosmonaut currently in active service at Roscosmos.[2] She made her first flight to space in 2022 to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard SpaceX Crew-5, the first Roscosmos cosmonaut to fly aboard a U.S. spacecraft since 2002. During her time on the ISS, Kikina served as a flight engineer during the long-duration Expedition 68 mission.
Anna Kikina | |
|---|---|
| Анна Кикина | |
Kikina in 2021 | |
| Born | 27 August 1984 Novosibirsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
| Status | Active |
| Alma mater | Siberian State University of Water Transport |
| Spouse | Alexander Serdyuk |
| Awards | |
| Space career | |
| Roscosmos cosmonaut | |
Current occupation | Test cosmonaut |
Previous occupation | Program director, Radio-Siberia Altai |
Time in space | 157 days, 10 hours, 1 minute |
| Selection | TsPK 2012 Cosmonaut Group |
| Missions | |
Mission insignia |   |
SpaceX Crew-5
In December 2021, Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin announced she would fly on an "American commercial spacecraft" in September 2022, while a NASA astronaut would take her seat on Soyuz making her the first Russian cosmonaut to fly a Crew Dragon and the first Roscosmos cosmonaut to fly aboard a U.S. spacecraft since 2002.[3] In October 2022, the commercial flight launched as the SpaceX Crew-5 Crew Dragon.[4]
On 11 March 2023, the SpaceX Crew-5 returned to Earth after 157 days.[5] The flight lasted about 19 hours, and their capsule landed in the Gulf of Mexico.[6]
Education
In 2006, Kikina graduated with honors from the Novosibirsk State Academy of Water Transportation Engineering.[7]
In 2008, Kikina also earned a degree in economics and management.[8]
Personal life
Kikina was born in Novosibirsk. She worked as a tour guide in Altai region, as well as a swimming and paratrooper instructor.[8] She also worked as radio host for Radio Siberia.[9]
In spring 2021, toy manufacturer Mattel released a Barbie astronaut doll in Kikina's image.[8]
Kikina is married to Alexander Serdyuk, a physical training instructor at the Cosmonaut Training Center.
Awards
Kikina was awarded the titles of Hero of the Russian Federation and Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation by decree of the President of Russia No. 233 on 3 April 2024.[10]
Hero of the Russian Federation (3 April 2024) — for courage and heroism demonstrated during a long-duration spaceflight aboard the International Space Station.[11]
Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation.[11]
Yuri A. Gagarin Medal (Roscosmos, 2023).[12]
Medal “For the Promotion of Rescue Work” (EMERCOM of Russia, 2023).[13]
Medal commemorating the 110th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin (Novosibirsk, 2023).[14]
Title of “Honorary Resident of the City of Novosibirsk” (May 2023).[15]
