Cosmonaut urges teens to shoot for the stars

AT last, after decades of rumour and conjecture, the world has verifiable proof that teenage students are left-leaning, communist-inclined spacers.

Although, admittedly, it’s not quite the negative stereotype their critics may have expected.

More than 1,000 second-level students were treated to a rare question and answer session with one of Russia’s most decorated cosmonauts.

Mikhail Kornienko was speaking at Dublin City University (DCU) as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Yuri Gagarin’s first manned flight into space on April 12, 1961.

The 51-year-old former paratrooper, who has been a leading light in Russia’s space exploration programmes since the early 1980s, told the teenagers that his “unique” experiences were unforgettable.

And in an underlying tone that will have pleased the students’ teachers who want to ensure their attention in school, he emphasised that with hard work and perseverance anything can be achieved.

Mr Kornienko, who was born in the Kuibyshev region of Russia 51 years ago today, is a recipient of the Gagarin medal for his work in space.

As a teenager he attended cosmonaut school and worked as a ground launch specialist before going on to train for a life peppered with visits into the great unknown.

Mr Kornienko spent six months as a flight engineer on the International Space Station, which has been inhabited continuously since November 2000.

The station is roughly the size of the Croke Park pitch, weighs 400 metric tonnes and circles the Earth every 91 minutes at an altitude of 350 kilometres and a speed of almost 28,000km/h.

During his time on board Mr Kornienko was kept busy, as while the facility is a symbol of humanity’s space ventures, it is best known for the constant repair work it needs — hardly an issue Mr Kornienko wanted to be reminded of while hurtling high above the ground.

DCU president Prof Brian MacCraith said the inspiration provided by the cosmonaut’s visit could act as an inspiration for Ireland’s next generation of adults to reach for the stars.

“Mr Kornienko has given young students a wonderful opportunity to understand the excitement of science and technology.

“It can lead to a greater understanding of the world and the whole galaxy. We are honoured to have him here to mark the 50th anniversary of the first manned space flight.”