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Gagarin space training center ends first open cosmonaut recruitment contest

Future cosmonauts have already started getting ready for future missions

Cosmonauts Evgeniy Khrunov (left) and Yuri Gagarin (right). Photo ITAR-TASS/ Valentin Cheredintsev

Cosmonauts Evgeniy Khrunov (left) and Yuri Gagarin (right). Photo ITAR-TASS/ Valentin Cheredintsev

OMSK, October 3 (Itar-Tass) - The Yuri A. Gagarin State Scientific Research-and-Testing Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) has declared the results of the first-ever open cosmonauts selection contest at the Xth International Exhibition of High-Tech and Armaments “VTTV-Omsk-2013”. Oleg Gordienko, the deputy head of the Centre's science department, said eight persons aged 23 to 33 had been selected. Half of them have a background in the aerospace industry.

“Last year we announced Russia's first-ever open recruitment contest. We have received a large number of applications from young people employed both in the aerospace industry and other branches of the economy. We have chosen eight - seven young men and one young lady,” Gordienko said.

Future cosmonauts have already started getting ready for future missions. They have experienced weightlessness aboard the special plane Il-76 MDK and practiced survival skills in winter time.

“Training for survival in winter conditions is essential, for there is still a risk of landing far away from the designated area,” Gordienko said. Another open recruitment contest for those eager to go in space some day will be announced soon, he added.

The requirements are very strict. The candidates - young people of 23 to 33 years of age - are expected to have perfect health and a higher education.

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