Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of Turkmenistan’s Halk Maslakhaty, representing President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the people of Turkmenistan, personally congratulated Oleg Kononenko, Commander of Roscosmos cosmonaut corps, the space pilot, and the Hero of Turkmenistan, for setting a world record for the total stay in Earth's cosmic orbit, as reported by official Turkmen media on Monday.
Berdimuhamedov's letter praised Kononenko's courage, heroism, and dedication, spending a total of one thousand days in near-earth space—an example of selfless service to humanity.
"With this feat, you, the Hero of Turkmenistan, demonstrated determination and strength for peaceful space exploration, using scientific research for global development. In Turkmenistan, we are proud that our compatriot, born and raised on ancient Turkmen land, became an exceptional space explorer and achieved unprecedented milestones in his noble profession," noted the Chairman of Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed anticipation for Kononenko's return after the ongoing space mission, welcoming him to Turkmenistan for Magtymguly's anniversary and wishing him good health, happiness, and further achievements.
On February 4, 2024, Kononenko set the record, spending 878 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes, and 48 seconds in space. Currently on his fifth space flight, he is expected to mark 1,000 days in space on June 5, 2024, at 00:00:20 Moscow time. The total duration at the mission's end will be 1,110 days.
Oleg Kononenko, born on June 21, 1964, in Turkmenabat, Turkmenistan, embarked on his first space flight in April 2008. His achievements include titles like Hero of the Russian Federation and Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation after the initial expedition. In September 2019, he was honored with the title of Hero of Turkmenistan.