Born: 1984 (Novosibirsk, Russia)
Biography:
Anna Yuryevna Kikina (Russian: Анна Юрьевна Кикина) was born on 27 August 1984 in Novosibirsk, Russia. She is a Russian engineer and cosmonaut, known for her exceptional contributions to space exploration. Kikina’s journey to becoming a cosmonaut began when she was selected by the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, in 2012. Since then, she has made significant strides in advancing scientific research and expanding our understanding of the universe.
Kikina holds the distinction of being the only female cosmonaut currently in active service at Roscosmos. Her determination and perseverance have been instrumental in breaking gender barriers in the field of space exploration. In June 2020, her fellow cosmonaut, Oleg Kononenko, announced that Kikina was slated to fly on a fall 2022 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and would even perform a spacewalk during the mission. This news garnered widespread excitement and further solidified Kikina’s place in history.
In September 2021, it was confirmed that Kikina had been assigned to the Soyuz MS-22 mission, scheduled to launch on 21 September 2022, for a record-breaking 188-day mission. This marked another milestone in her illustrious career, showcasing her stamina, expertise, and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in space. However, fate had even more extraordinary plans for Kikina.
In December 2021, Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin made a groundbreaking announcement. He revealed that Kikina would be flying on an American commercial spacecraft in September 2022, making her the first Russian cosmonaut to fly on a Crew Dragon and the first Roscosmos cosmonaut to fly aboard a U.S. spacecraft since 2002. This marked a significant collaboration between Russia’s Roscosmos and SpaceX, symbolizing international cooperation and pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
In October 2022, the highly anticipated SpaceX Crew-5 Crew Dragon, carrying Kikina and her crewmates, successfully launched into space. This historic event showcased the incredible capabilities of human spaceflight and represented a major milestone in Kikina’s esteemed career. The mission aimed to further scientific research and strengthen international partnerships in the field of space exploration.
On 11 March 2023, the SpaceX Crew-5 returned to Earth after an awe-inspiring 157 days in space. The remarkable journey spanned approximately 19 hours, with their capsule gracefully landing in the Gulf of Mexico. Kikina’s dedication, resilience, and pioneering spirit have left an indelible mark on the history of space exploration.
Outside of her outstanding achievements in the space realm, Kikina’s educational background further attests to her exceptional abilities. She graduated with honors from the Novosibirsk State Academy of Water Transportation Engineering. Additionally, Kikina holds a degree in economics and management, demonstrating her diverse skill set and intellectual prowess.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Kikina leads a fulfilling personal life. She is married to Alexander Serdyuk, a physical training instructor at the Cosmonaut Training Center. Kikina’s warmth and affable personality have endeared her to many, proving that she possesses not only remarkable intelligence but also a kind and compassionate spirit.
Kikina’s immense contributions to space exploration and her unwavering dedication to advancing scientific knowledge have solidified her as a trailblazer and an inspiration to aspiring scientists, particularly women. Her exceptional achievements in the aerospace industry transcend borders and serve as a reminder that dreams can be turned into reality through hard work, determination, and an unyielding spirit.