Fifty years ago, on the 7th of March 1960, the first group of Soviet cosmonauts was formed, and twenty selected candidates had to pass through extraordinary experiences during a short period of time. About one year was left before man's first flight to space.
The scientists had to solve many unknown tasks during the ground experiments. They wanted to get the answer to the question: whether a human being can survive in zero-gravity conditions. However, the physicians had to select pilots for the group of cosmonauts. They set very tough demands, perfect health, stable psychology and excellent endurance. Ultimately, they selected 20 of the best pilots out of three thousand. The doctors gave preference to those who had good flying skills and who studied well, especially those who were successful in mathematics, physics and mechanics. They took into account not only the results of psychological tests but also character, temperament, sociability, attitude towards comrades and behaviour in everyday life. In short, they took into account everything possible. The group started training immediately after it was formed. The country was in hurry to surpass the Americans who planned to carry out their first manned-flight by the end of 1961.
Among those who attended the ceremony devoted to the 50th anniversary at the Star City were the representatives of all generations of cosmonauts, engineers and physicians who took part in training cosmonauts and carrying out flights. Victor Gorbatko, who is known as a "member of the Gagarin group", is the most respected cosmonaut among them. He has made two space flights. The veteran cosmonaut says he completed a long training course before the flight:
"Lift-off was similar to that expected at the training sessions," says Victor Gorbatko. "We knew some specifics and knew about the risk that we might have to come across. The zero-gravity surprised me although I did a lot of training on the ground and in the flying laboratories. The beauty of the earth is amazing, especially the sunrise and sunset. I felt this greatly in the first flight," Victor Gorbatko said.
The cosmonauts not only enjoyed watching the earth's beauty but also conducted a busy programme. In this case, everything depended on the physical fitness, which, according to Gorbatko, was normal.
Normal general state for a cosmonaut is an axiom that needs no proof. To achieve this, the cosmonauts have to follow a very serious training course before the flight. Even 50 years after the formation of the group, space flights are still very risky and future cosmonauts spend 80 percent of their training period in studying emergency situations.
At present, Russia has three groups of cosmonauts with 20 people in each. Cosmonauts are consistently being trained at the training centre in the Star City; however, the first group that included Yuri Gagarin will remain in history for ever since later successes in the exploration of space was paid by the heath and even the life of the pioneers.
Please rate: