Russian cosmonaut Sergei Korsakov said that he closely followed India’s space exploration and was glad that India is progressing rapidly with more missions and new goals in the space.
In Short
- Sergei Korsakov describes India as colourful and hospitable
- He also praises India’s rapid space exploration progress
- Highlights importance of global unity in space exploration
Russian cosmonaut Sergei Korsakov, who lived on the International Space Station (ISS), stated that visiting India is as exciting as flying to space.
Speaking to India Today TV, Sergei Korsakov described India as very “colourful, exciting, and home to hospitable people”.
Though he stayed on the ISS for six months, Sergei expressed that he wished he could have stayed longer. “I was 400 km close to the stars, but I wish to go much closer. However, the other side of this journey is that I could see Earth, our planet, from space with a new perspective — a planet without boundaries, without borders. So, we must keep it peaceful and safe,” Sergei stated.
He mentioned that he closely followed India’s space exploration and was glad that India is progressing rapidly with more missions and new goals. Sergei also noted that he trained near the Gaganauts.
“I knew the Gaganauts. We trained close by, but not together. They are strong, smart, and enthusiastic, and I believe they will achieve what they set out to do,” Sergei remarked.
When asked about space, Sergei described it as vast and mysterious. “It is full of promises and possibilities. Space is endless, and the opportunities it provides should not be approached separately by each country. When we work united, we can achieve much more, move faster, and explore a lot further,” Sergei said.
Speaking about his experience living on the ISS, Sergei said it was very interesting. “Six months was not enough for me. Every day, I enjoyed the journey,” he added.
Regarding the issues faced by Sunita Williams, Sergei said that the crew aboard the ISS is doing well. “The astronauts are alright, and I believe that any issue will be resolved, and the mission will succeed. Space agencies will consider every possibility, even using Dragon or Soyuz. They will make the best decision possible,” Sergei concluded.
