Nikolai Chub

Prior to selection as a cosmonaut, Chub obtained a degree in management and informatics from the South-Russian State Technical University (Novocherkassk Polytechnic Institute) in 2006 as the top member of his class.^[1] He subsequently obtained a graduate degree in economics from the same institution.

Prior to his selection as a cosmonaut, Chub directed the astronautics firm Space Tu, LLC. He was selected as a cosmonaut candidate in 2012 and was named a test cosmonaut on June 16, 2014.

In 2019 Chub participated to the training ESA CAVES,^[2][3] organized by the European Space Agency, held between Italy and Slovenia.

Chub trained as a backup crewmember for the Soyuz MS-12 flight to the International Space Station, and in accordance with his Roscosmos biography, had been selected as a crewmember for the Soyuz MS-17 mission, but was subsequently replaced by American astronaut Kathleen Rubins.^[4]

In January 2022 Chub was denied without explanation a visa to the United States to visit the Johnson Space Center and to hold a five-week session there to get acquainted with the American segment of the ISS.^[5] Roscosmos considered that the decision of the American side threatens the safety of the astronaut on the ISS.^[6] After the publication of this information, a visa for a trip to the United States was issued to Chub a few days later.^[7]

Chub was again assigned as a backup crew member for Soyuz MS-22, and then flew on MS-24. He returned on Soyuz MS-25 after a year long mission in space.^[8]