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Russian Cosmonaut Aleksandr Samokutyaev, 56, First Former ISS Crew Member to Die
Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Samokutyaev, 56, who flew two ISS expeditions in 2011 and spent 322 days in space, has died—becoming the first former ISS long-duration crew member to pass away in the station's 26-year history. The cause of death is unknown.
Quick Facts
Who
Aleksandr Samokutyaev
What
Russian cosmonaut dies
When
June 18, 2026 (death announced)
Where
International Space Station
- Russian cosmonaut dies
- First former ISS long-duration crew member to die
- Served on ISS expeditions 27 and 28
- Commanded Soyuz TMA-21
- Participated in final US space shuttle mission
Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Samokutyaev has died at the age of 56, marking a historic milestone as the first former International Space Station (ISS) long-duration resident to pass away in the 26-year operational history of the orbital laboratory. Samokutyaev served twice as a crew member aboard the ISS, including participation in the final US space shuttle mission in 2011. The cause of his death remains unknown.
Samokutyaev joined the Russian cosmonaut corps in 2003 and qualified for spaceflight assignments in 2005 following his basic training. He launched to the ISS for the first time on April 4, 2011, as commander of Soyuz TMA-21, accompanied by flight engineers Andrey Borisenko of Roscosmos and NASA astronaut Ron Garan. The spacecraft was named "Gagarin" in tribute to the world's first human in space, whose launch occurred exactly 50 years earlier from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
During his ISS service, Samokutyaev served as a flight engineer on the space station's 27th and 28th expedition crews. His crewmates included Dmitri Kondratyev and Sergey Volkov from Roscosmos, NASA astronauts Cady Coleman and Mike Fossum, European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Satoshi Furukawa. In total, Samokutyaev spent 322 days in space across his two missions.
Roscosmos State Corporation issued a formal statement expressing condolences to Samokutyaev's family and loved ones, acknowledging his contributions to the Russian space program. His death represents a significant moment in ISS history, as the space station has hosted 155 cosmonauts and astronauts as expedition crew members since its establishment.
Why This Matters
Samokutyaev's death marks a historic milestone for the ISS program, which has operated for 26 years and trained 155 expedition crew members. His passing underscores the human cost and long-term health implications of space exploration, relevant to ongoing discussions about astronaut safety, medical screening protocols, and the legacy of human spaceflight achievements. The event also highlights Russia's continued role in international space operations despite recent geopolitical tensions.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2003
WireAleksandr Samokutyaev joined the Russian cosmonaut corps
Jan 1, 2005
WireSamokutyaev qualified for spaceflight assignments after completing basic training
Jan 1, 2011
WireSamokutyaev served on ISS expeditions 27 and 28, including during the final US space shuttle mission
Apr 4, 2011
WireSamokutyaev launched as commander of Soyuz TMA-21 to the ISS, 50 years after Yuri Gagarin's first human spaceflight
Jun 18, 2026
WireDeath of Aleksandr Samokutyaev announced; he becomes the first former ISS long-duration crew member to die