On this day the Russian astronaut (“cosmonaut”) Valeri Polyakov ended his space mission after spending a record-long time in space: 437 days and 18 hours. He spent that time on the space station Mir, circling the Earth 7,000 times. It is interesting that he was 52 years old. By profession he was a doctor, specialized in astronautics medicine.
During his stay in space, Polyakov conducted various scientific experiments. His venture has enabled scientists to assess how the human body and psyche are affected by extended-duration spaceflights, such as manned missions to Mars. Examining Polyakov after his return, they concluded that he had no significant mental or physical problems. His mood slightly declined during the first few weeks of spaceflight, but it later stabilized.
It is interesting that Valeri Polyakov, exiting the capsule upon his return to Earth, refused to be carried and instead made the first steps alone, proving that a man can still walk even after spending 437 days in space.
