{"id":14055,"date":"2016-11-28T19:13:00","date_gmt":"2016-11-28T19:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mircorp.com\/?p=14055"},"modified":"2024-01-23T22:05:43","modified_gmt":"2024-01-23T22:05:43","slug":"venturing-inside-the-russian-space-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/venturing-inside-the-russian-space-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Venturing Inside the Russian Space Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<p>Of all the tours we\u2019ve offered to MIR\u2019s 35 destinations over more than 30 years,&nbsp;the one that I unabashedly like best&nbsp;is our behind-the-scenes&nbsp;<em><a href=\"\/trip\/inside-the-russian-space-program\/\">Inside the Russian Space Program<\/a> <\/em>tour<em>,<\/em>&nbsp;which harkens back to the Cold War days of the U.S.-Soviet space race. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube aligncenter wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"MIR&#039;s 30 Years:  Beyond the Stars, Inside the Russian Space Program\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5U6PvvQPQ9U?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To me, this tour symbolizes&nbsp;MIR\u2019s expansive spirit \u2013 that even space can be the focus for intrepid travelers who are intent on learning more about&nbsp;history, politics, and science&nbsp;on their travel journeys. With its immersive experience in everything related to the&nbsp;Soviet and <a href=\"\/region\/russia\/\">Russian<\/a> space program, this tour won an award from&nbsp;<em>National Geographic Traveler\u2019s<\/em> \u201c50 Tours of a Lifetime\u201d&nbsp;in 2012.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have personally led every departure&nbsp;of this program since first launching the trip in 2005, and <strong>the one thing I never tire of is the opportunity to&nbsp;witness the manned launch of a Soyuz spacecraft&nbsp;from the&nbsp;Baikonur Cosmodrome<\/strong>, located in the remote outback of <a href=\"\/country\/kazakhstan\/\">Kazakhstan<\/a>. It\u2019s one of the many amazing, one-of-a-kind experiences that this tour offers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"663\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIT-PrinceSpaceOct08-029-Douglas-Grimes-1024x663.jpg\" alt=\"President and Founder of MIR Corporation, Douglas Grimes, experiencing weightlessness on the Russian Zero-G cosmonaut training flight. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes\" class=\"wp-image-9856\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIT-PrinceSpaceOct08-029-Douglas-Grimes-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIT-PrinceSpaceOct08-029-Douglas-Grimes-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIT-PrinceSpaceOct08-029-Douglas-Grimes-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIT-PrinceSpaceOct08-029-Douglas-Grimes-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIT-PrinceSpaceOct08-029-Douglas-Grimes-600x389.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIT-PrinceSpaceOct08-029-Douglas-Grimes.jpg 1308w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>President and Founder of MIR Corporation, Douglas Grimes, experiencing weightlessness on the Russian Zero-G cosmonaut training flight. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Beginnings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m old enough to remember the&nbsp;U.S.-Soviet space race. I spent a lot of time making&nbsp;model rockets like the Saturn-V, and every kid seemed to dream of being an astronaut one day. It was beyond my wildest imagination that an insider\u2019s look into the once secret Soviet space program would be possible \u2013 and that I\u2019d one day be sharing this space-race journey with adventurous travelers from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n<section id=\"block_5eed0d9bc0eef-media-grid\" class=\"wp-block-xdf-standardmediagrid uk-section js-xd-components__media-grid uk-padding-remove\">\n\t<div class=\"uk-container uk-width-expand uk-padding-remove\">\n    <div id=\"media-grid-media-grid\" class=\"xd-component__media-grid  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open center\"  >\n\n      \n\t\t\t          <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-feature-image  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5eed0d9bc0eef\" data-slide-target=\"1\">\n\n            \n                          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5849-USSR-stamp-rocket-1969-HHolter-618-147x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5849-USSR-stamp-rocket-1969-HHolter-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5849-USSR-stamp-rocket-1969-HHolter-618-294x300.jpg 294w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5849-USSR-stamp-rocket-1969-HHolter-618-147x150.jpg 147w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5849-USSR-stamp-rocket-1969-HHolter-618-588x600.jpg 588w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"This 1969 stamp depicts the Soviet rocket 'Vostok' (Russian for 'East') at the launchpad in Baiikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo credit: Helen Holter\"\n  height=\"631\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                      <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t          <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-1  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5eed0d9bc0eef\" data-slide-target=\"2\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5845-USSR-stamp-Gagarin-1961-HHolter-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5845-USSR-stamp-Gagarin-1961-HHolter-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5845-USSR-stamp-Gagarin-1961-HHolter-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5845-USSR-stamp-Gagarin-1961-HHolter-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5845-USSR-stamp-Gagarin-1961-HHolter-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"1961 U.S.S.R. stamp: At age 27, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space. Photo credit: Helen Holter\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-2  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5eed0d9bc0eef\" data-slide-target=\"3\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5843-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-crew-1975-HHolter-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5843-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-crew-1975-HHolter-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5843-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-crew-1975-HHolter-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5843-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-crew-1975-HHolter-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5843-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-crew-1975-HHolter-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"1975 U.S.S.R. stamp: This Apollo-Soyuz mission was the first joint U.S.-Soviet space flight, marking the beginning of galactic d\u00e9tente between the two nations. Photo credit: Helen Holter\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-3  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5eed0d9bc0eef\" data-slide-target=\"4\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5854-USSR-stamp-Korolev-1969-HHolter-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5854-USSR-stamp-Korolev-1969-HHolter-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5854-USSR-stamp-Korolev-1969-HHolter-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5854-USSR-stamp-Korolev-1969-HHolter-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5854-USSR-stamp-Korolev-1969-HHolter-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"1969 U.S.S.R. stamp: Sergei Korolev, revered mastermind of the Soviet space race. Photo credit: Helen Holter\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-4  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5eed0d9bc0eef\" data-slide-target=\"5\">\n            \n            <div class=\"count\">+ 2<\/div>\n\n                        \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5880-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-docking-1975-HHolter-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5880-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-docking-1975-HHolter-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5880-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-docking-1975-HHolter-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5880-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-docking-1975-HHolter-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5880-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-docking-1975-HHolter-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"1975 U.S.S.R. stamp: This historic Apollo-Soyuz docking in 1975 symbolized the end of the Cold War U.S.-Soviet space race since 1957. Photo credit: Helen Holter\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n        \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n      \n  <div id=\"block_5eed0d9bc0eef-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_5eed0d9bc0eef-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5849-USSR-stamp-rocket-1969-HHolter-618-147x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5849-USSR-stamp-rocket-1969-HHolter-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5849-USSR-stamp-rocket-1969-HHolter-618-294x300.jpg 294w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5849-USSR-stamp-rocket-1969-HHolter-618-147x150.jpg 147w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5849-USSR-stamp-rocket-1969-HHolter-618-588x600.jpg 588w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"This 1969 stamp depicts the Soviet rocket 'Vostok' (Russian for 'East') at the launchpad in Baiikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo credit: Helen Holter\"\n  height=\"631\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">This 1969 stamp depicts the Soviet rocket &#8216;Vostok&#8217; (Russian for &#8216;East&#8217;) at the launchpad in Baiikonur, Kazakhstan.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Helen Holter<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5845-USSR-stamp-Gagarin-1961-HHolter-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5845-USSR-stamp-Gagarin-1961-HHolter-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5845-USSR-stamp-Gagarin-1961-HHolter-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5845-USSR-stamp-Gagarin-1961-HHolter-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5845-USSR-stamp-Gagarin-1961-HHolter-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"1961 U.S.S.R. stamp: At age 27, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space. Photo credit: Helen Holter\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">1961 U.S.S.R. stamp: At age 27, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Helen Holter<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5843-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-crew-1975-HHolter-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5843-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-crew-1975-HHolter-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5843-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-crew-1975-HHolter-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5843-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-crew-1975-HHolter-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5843-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-crew-1975-HHolter-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"1975 U.S.S.R. stamp: This Apollo-Soyuz mission was the first joint U.S.-Soviet space flight, marking the beginning of galactic d\u00e9tente between the two nations. Photo credit: Helen Holter\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">1975 U.S.S.R. stamp: This Apollo-Soyuz mission was the first joint U.S.-Soviet space flight, marking the beginning of galactic d\u00e9tente between the two nations.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Helen Holter<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5854-USSR-stamp-Korolev-1969-HHolter-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5854-USSR-stamp-Korolev-1969-HHolter-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5854-USSR-stamp-Korolev-1969-HHolter-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5854-USSR-stamp-Korolev-1969-HHolter-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5854-USSR-stamp-Korolev-1969-HHolter-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"1969 U.S.S.R. stamp: Sergei Korolev, revered mastermind of the Soviet space race. Photo credit: Helen Holter\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">1969 U.S.S.R. stamp: Sergei Korolev, revered mastermind of the Soviet space race.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Helen Holter<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5880-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-docking-1975-HHolter-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5880-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-docking-1975-HHolter-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5880-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-docking-1975-HHolter-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5880-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-docking-1975-HHolter-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5880-USSR-stamp-Apollo-Soyuz-docking-1975-HHolter-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"1975 U.S.S.R. stamp: This historic Apollo-Soyuz docking in 1975 symbolized the end of the Cold War U.S.-Soviet space race since 1957. Photo credit: Helen Holter\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">1975 U.S.S.R. stamp: This historic Apollo-Soyuz docking in 1975 symbolized the end of the Cold War U.S.-Soviet space race since 1957.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Helen Holter<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5878-USSR-stamp-Molniya1-1966-HHolter-618-150x103.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5878-USSR-stamp-Molniya1-1966-HHolter-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5878-USSR-stamp-Molniya1-1966-HHolter-618-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5878-USSR-stamp-Molniya1-1966-HHolter-618-150x103.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5878-USSR-stamp-Molniya1-1966-HHolter-618-600x413.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"1966 U.S.S.R. stamp: Launched in 1965, Molniya-1 (Russian for 'lightning') was the Soviet Union's first military communications satellite. Photo credit: Helen Holter\"\n  height=\"425\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">1966 U.S.S.R. stamp: Launched in 1965, Molniya-1 (Russian for &#8216;lightning&#8217;) was the Soviet Union&#8217;s first military communications satellite.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Helen Holter<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5876-USSR-stamp-study-of-planets-stars-1974-HHolter-618-150x103.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5876-USSR-stamp-study-of-planets-stars-1974-HHolter-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5876-USSR-stamp-study-of-planets-stars-1974-HHolter-618-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5876-USSR-stamp-study-of-planets-stars-1974-HHolter-618-150x103.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_5876-USSR-stamp-study-of-planets-stars-1974-HHolter-618-600x413.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"1974 U.S.S.R. stamp: Soviet missions to Mars, Mars-4 through March-7, were all launched in 1973. Photo credit: Helen Holter\"\n  height=\"425\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">1974 U.S.S.R. stamp: Soviet missions to Mars, Mars-4 through March-7, were all launched in 1973.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Helen Holter<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"color:#909599\" class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center\">(click image to view larger photo)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It wasn\u2019t easy or simple. It took three years of meeting the right people in <a href=\"\/region\/russia\/\">Russia<\/a> and eventually making our way to&nbsp;the once highly classified Star City,&nbsp;hidden in a forest near Moscow with a&nbsp;cosmonaut training facility named after Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space.&nbsp;I remember the first time I was there, thinking to myself, \u201cOh boy \u2013 this used to be top secret!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After some initially tough meetings with officials at the Russian space program, we developed a rapport with them and flew down to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Kazakh desert to see the facilities and watch a manned-Soyuz space launch. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"618\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140528_baikonur-launch_8250-DGrimes-w-cosmonaut-CP-Michel-618.jpg\" alt=\"Douglas Grimes with Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo credit: Christopher Prentiss Michel\" class=\"wp-image-14034\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140528_baikonur-launch_8250-DGrimes-w-cosmonaut-CP-Michel-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140528_baikonur-launch_8250-DGrimes-w-cosmonaut-CP-Michel-618-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140528_baikonur-launch_8250-DGrimes-w-cosmonaut-CP-Michel-618-150x103.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140528_baikonur-launch_8250-DGrimes-w-cosmonaut-CP-Michel-618-600x413.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\" \/><figcaption>Douglas Grimes with Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo credit: Christopher Prentiss Michel<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Since that pioneering journey back in 2005, travelers that have joined us on our visits inside the Russian space program year after year have had the opportunity to rub shoulders with&nbsp;Russian space experts&nbsp;from the Roscosmos Space Agency,&nbsp;space veterans,&nbsp;families of the space crews,&nbsp;and&nbsp;foreign dignitaries.&nbsp;I\u2019ve even met&nbsp;celebrities&nbsp;like Martha Stewart and Microsoft\u2019s&nbsp;Charles Simonyi, the first \u201ctourist cosmonaut\u201d&nbsp;to travel twice in space (in 2007 and 2009.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Insider\u2019s Access<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Then and now, <strong>we&nbsp;have superb insider\u2019s access at the Soyuz launch<\/strong>:&nbsp;from high-level&nbsp;space experts and cosmonaut training facilities,&nbsp;to Soviet \u2013 and now Russian \u2013&nbsp;space traditions, rituals, and ceremonies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"618\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0035-Baikonur-rocket-backup-cosmonuts-DGrimes-618.jpg\" alt=\"Backup crew cosmonauts finish shooting photos of 'their' Soyuz rocket. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes\" class=\"wp-image-14038\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0035-Baikonur-rocket-backup-cosmonuts-DGrimes-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0035-Baikonur-rocket-backup-cosmonuts-DGrimes-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0035-Baikonur-rocket-backup-cosmonuts-DGrimes-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0035-Baikonur-rocket-backup-cosmonuts-DGrimes-618-600x388.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\" \/><figcaption>Backup crew cosmonauts finish shooting photos of &#8216;their&#8217; Soyuz rocket. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Rollout of the Rocket Ceremony:<\/strong>&nbsp;This is one of my favorite events. The massive hangar doors open for the early dawn rollout of the Russian rocket; we\u2019re only a few yards away from these&nbsp;gigantic exhaust vents&nbsp;on the Soyuz. Later, the Soyuz crosses a road in the Kazakh desert \u2013 yet another up-close photo opportunity.<\/li><li><strong>Raising of the Rocket Ceremony:<\/strong>&nbsp;The&nbsp;rocket is slowly raised&nbsp;into position at the launchpad. It takes time, it\u2019s noisy, and it\u2019s unforgettable.<\/li><li><strong>Cosmonauts\u2019 Press Conference:<\/strong>&nbsp;We can ask&nbsp;burning questions&nbsp;of not just the main crew, but the backup crew as well. After the press conference, the cosmonauts depart to prepare for their&nbsp;final preparations, and to suit up.<\/li><li><strong>Cosmonauts\u2019 Alley:<\/strong>&nbsp;Every cosmonaut who goes up in the Soyuz from Baikonur&nbsp;plants a tree&nbsp;along this alley. Of course, Yuri Gagarin\u2019s tree from 1961 is the oldest, towering over tiny saplings of more recent cosmonauts.<\/li><li><strong>\u201cReady to Go\u201d Report:<\/strong>&nbsp;Cosmonauts are fully suited up, walk out, and approach&nbsp;the Baikonur Cosmodrome director and Roscosmos space officials. They indicate they are \u201cready to go,\u201d shake hands, and are whisked away by bus to the launchpad \u2013 in the same manner of the&nbsp;U.S.S.R.\u2019s first cosmonaut, Yuri Garagin.<\/li><li><strong>Liftoff from VIP Viewing Area<\/strong>:&nbsp;In the U.S. you\u2019re typically five or six miles away from the launchpad. But at Baikonur, we have a&nbsp;VIP viewing area that\u2019s about two miles away.&nbsp;It\u2019s close enough to feel the earth shake beneath our feet \u2013&nbsp;always thrilling.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<section id=\"block_5eed0b83c0eed-media-grid\" class=\"wp-block-xdf-standardmediagrid uk-section js-xd-components__media-grid uk-padding-remove\">\n\t<div class=\"uk-container uk-width-expand uk-padding-remove\">\n    <div id=\"media-grid-media-grid\" class=\"xd-component__media-grid  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open left\"  >\n\n      \n\t\t\t          <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-feature-image  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5eed0b83c0eed\" data-slide-target=\"1\">\n\n            \n                          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Baikonur-Soyuz-rollout-DGrimes-video-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Baikonur-Soyuz-rollout-DGrimes-video-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Baikonur-Soyuz-rollout-DGrimes-video-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Baikonur-Soyuz-rollout-DGrimes-video-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Baikonur-Soyuz-rollout-DGrimes-video-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The Soyuz rolls out from its assembly hangar in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                      <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t          <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-1  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5eed0b83c0eed\" data-slide-target=\"2\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0123-Baikonur-rocket-upright-DGrimes-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0123-Baikonur-rocket-upright-DGrimes-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0123-Baikonur-rocket-upright-DGrimes-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0123-Baikonur-rocket-upright-DGrimes-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0123-Baikonur-rocket-upright-DGrimes-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The Soyuz spacecraft towers at 162 feet, ready for takeoff in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-2  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5eed0b83c0eed\" data-slide-target=\"3\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0365-Baikonur-presser-young-woman-DGrimes-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0365-Baikonur-presser-young-woman-DGrimes-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0365-Baikonur-presser-young-woman-DGrimes-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0365-Baikonur-presser-young-woman-DGrimes-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0365-Baikonur-presser-young-woman-DGrimes-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A visitor asks a question at the cosmonauts\u2019 press conference in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-3  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5eed0b83c0eed\" data-slide-target=\"4\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01480-Baikonur-ready-to-go-report-DCohen-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01480-Baikonur-ready-to-go-report-DCohen-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01480-Baikonur-ready-to-go-report-DCohen-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01480-Baikonur-ready-to-go-report-DCohen-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01480-Baikonur-ready-to-go-report-DCohen-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Cosmonauts salute space officials in their Ready to Go report, before heading to the launchpad. Photo credit: Don Cohen\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-4  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5eed0b83c0eed\" data-slide-target=\"5\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01814-Baikonur-rocket-launch-daytime-Don-Cohen-800-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01814-Baikonur-rocket-launch-daytime-Don-Cohen-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01814-Baikonur-rocket-launch-daytime-Don-Cohen-800-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01814-Baikonur-rocket-launch-daytime-Don-Cohen-800-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01814-Baikonur-rocket-launch-daytime-Don-Cohen-800-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01814-Baikonur-rocket-launch-daytime-Don-Cohen-800-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Soyuz liftoff from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo credit: Don Cohen\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n        \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n      \n  <div id=\"block_5eed0b83c0eed-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_5eed0b83c0eed-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Baikonur-Soyuz-rollout-DGrimes-video-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Baikonur-Soyuz-rollout-DGrimes-video-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Baikonur-Soyuz-rollout-DGrimes-video-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Baikonur-Soyuz-rollout-DGrimes-video-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Baikonur-Soyuz-rollout-DGrimes-video-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The Soyuz rolls out from its assembly hangar in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">The Soyuz rolls out from its assembly hangar in Baikonur, Kazakhstan.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Douglas Grimes<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0123-Baikonur-rocket-upright-DGrimes-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0123-Baikonur-rocket-upright-DGrimes-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0123-Baikonur-rocket-upright-DGrimes-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0123-Baikonur-rocket-upright-DGrimes-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0123-Baikonur-rocket-upright-DGrimes-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The Soyuz spacecraft towers at 162 feet, ready for takeoff in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">The Soyuz spacecraft towers at 162 feet, ready for takeoff in Baikonur, Kazakhstan.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Douglas Grimes<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0365-Baikonur-presser-young-woman-DGrimes-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0365-Baikonur-presser-young-woman-DGrimes-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0365-Baikonur-presser-young-woman-DGrimes-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0365-Baikonur-presser-young-woman-DGrimes-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0365-Baikonur-presser-young-woman-DGrimes-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A visitor asks a question at the cosmonauts\u2019 press conference in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">A visitor asks a question at the cosmonauts\u2019 press conference in Baikonur, Kazakhstan.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Douglas Grimes<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01480-Baikonur-ready-to-go-report-DCohen-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01480-Baikonur-ready-to-go-report-DCohen-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01480-Baikonur-ready-to-go-report-DCohen-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01480-Baikonur-ready-to-go-report-DCohen-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01480-Baikonur-ready-to-go-report-DCohen-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Cosmonauts salute space officials in their Ready to Go report, before heading to the launchpad. Photo credit: Don Cohen\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Cosmonauts salute space officials in their Ready to Go report, before heading to the launchpad.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Don Cohen<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01814-Baikonur-rocket-launch-daytime-Don-Cohen-800-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01814-Baikonur-rocket-launch-daytime-Don-Cohen-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01814-Baikonur-rocket-launch-daytime-Don-Cohen-800-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01814-Baikonur-rocket-launch-daytime-Don-Cohen-800-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01814-Baikonur-rocket-launch-daytime-Don-Cohen-800-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC01814-Baikonur-rocket-launch-daytime-Don-Cohen-800-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Soyuz liftoff from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo credit: Don Cohen\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Soyuz liftoff from Baikonur, Kazakhstan.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Don Cohen<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"color:#909599\" class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center\">(click image to view larger photo)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Star City<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sandwiched between all of our insider\u2019s access at the launch is a&nbsp;deep dive into the evolution of the Soviet\/Russian space program headquartered at&nbsp;Star City, one component of which is a premier cosmonaut training facility.&nbsp;We visit both the now-retired&nbsp;Mir Space Station simulator as well as the current International Space Station mock-up and Soyuz simulator.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout our tour we also visit&nbsp;museums&nbsp;dedicated to aeronautics and space exploration, like the Monino Aviation Museum. We also view artifacts from the Cold War space race, including a&nbsp;Tupolev Tu-95 bomber and Yuri Gagarin\u2019s space suit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"663\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SpaceApril08-091-Douglas-Grimes-1024x663.jpg\" alt=\"Learning about the specifics of space suits. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes\" class=\"wp-image-9858\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SpaceApril08-091-Douglas-Grimes-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SpaceApril08-091-Douglas-Grimes-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SpaceApril08-091-Douglas-Grimes-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SpaceApril08-091-Douglas-Grimes-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SpaceApril08-091-Douglas-Grimes-600x389.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SpaceApril08-091-Douglas-Grimes.jpg 1308w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Learning about the specifics of space suits. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Train Like a Cosmonaut<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Travelers on our&nbsp;<em><a href=\"\/trip\/inside-the-russian-space-program\/\">Inside the Russian Space Program<\/a><\/em>&nbsp;tour are offered&nbsp;optional cosmonaut training activities&nbsp;at Star City.&nbsp;<strong>They\u2019re perfect for those who\u2019ve always wondered what it feels like to be&nbsp;weightless aboard a zero-gravity simulation flight, to don a&nbsp;Russian space suit&nbsp;and practice maneuvers, to dive underwater for&nbsp;spacewalk training&nbsp;in the Hydrolab, or even to feel what 4Gs is like in the&nbsp;world\u2019s largest centrifuge.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_5eed0cc7c0eee-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140524_yuri_gagarin_cosmonaut_training_2259-centrifuge-CP-Michel-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140524_yuri_gagarin_cosmonaut_training_2259-centrifuge-CP-Michel-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140524_yuri_gagarin_cosmonaut_training_2259-centrifuge-CP-Michel-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140524_yuri_gagarin_cosmonaut_training_2259-centrifuge-CP-Michel-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140524_yuri_gagarin_cosmonaut_training_2259-centrifuge-CP-Michel-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Take a high-G ride in the world's largest centrifuge, used to improve cosmonauts' G-load tolerance. Photo credit: Christopher Prentiss Miche\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140530_soyuz-training_orlan-suit_0142-CP-Michel-618-150x103.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140530_soyuz-training_orlan-suit_0142-CP-Michel-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140530_soyuz-training_orlan-suit_0142-CP-Michel-618-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140530_soyuz-training_orlan-suit_0142-CP-Michel-618-150x103.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140530_soyuz-training_orlan-suit_0142-CP-Michel-618-600x413.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Simulate space tasks wearing an Orlan space suit, created for spacewalks. Photo credit: Christopher Prentiss Michel\"\n  height=\"425\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0133-Star-City-hydrolab-training-DGrimes-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0133-Star-City-hydrolab-training-DGrimes-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0133-Star-City-hydrolab-training-DGrimes-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0133-Star-City-hydrolab-training-DGrimes-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0133-Star-City-hydrolab-training-DGrimes-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Train underwater to perform tasks on spacewalks at Star City's massive Hydrolab. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_5eed0cc7c0eee-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_5eed0cc7c0eee-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140524_yuri_gagarin_cosmonaut_training_2259-centrifuge-CP-Michel-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140524_yuri_gagarin_cosmonaut_training_2259-centrifuge-CP-Michel-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140524_yuri_gagarin_cosmonaut_training_2259-centrifuge-CP-Michel-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140524_yuri_gagarin_cosmonaut_training_2259-centrifuge-CP-Michel-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140524_yuri_gagarin_cosmonaut_training_2259-centrifuge-CP-Michel-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Take a high-G ride in the world's largest centrifuge, used to improve cosmonauts' G-load tolerance. Photo credit: Christopher Prentiss Miche\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Take a high-G ride in the world&#8217;s largest centrifuge, used to improve cosmonauts&#8217; G-load tolerance.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Christopher Prentiss Miche<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140530_soyuz-training_orlan-suit_0142-CP-Michel-618-150x103.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140530_soyuz-training_orlan-suit_0142-CP-Michel-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140530_soyuz-training_orlan-suit_0142-CP-Michel-618-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140530_soyuz-training_orlan-suit_0142-CP-Michel-618-150x103.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140530_soyuz-training_orlan-suit_0142-CP-Michel-618-600x413.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Simulate space tasks wearing an Orlan space suit, created for spacewalks. Photo credit: Christopher Prentiss Michel\"\n  height=\"425\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Simulate space tasks wearing an Orlan space suit, created for spacewalks.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Christopher Prentiss Michel<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0133-Star-City-hydrolab-training-DGrimes-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0133-Star-City-hydrolab-training-DGrimes-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0133-Star-City-hydrolab-training-DGrimes-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0133-Star-City-hydrolab-training-DGrimes-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC_0133-Star-City-hydrolab-training-DGrimes-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Train underwater to perform tasks on spacewalks at Star City's massive Hydrolab. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Train underwater to perform tasks on spacewalks at Star City&#8217;s massive Hydrolab.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Douglas Grimes<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"color:#909599\" class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center\">(click image to view larger photo)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve done&nbsp;zero gravity training twice,&nbsp;and it\u2019s a&nbsp;<em>lot<\/em>&nbsp;of fun. We fly in a padded Ilyushin-76 up to 30,000 feet, where it stalls out at the top for about 35 seconds, during which time we become weightless. It pulls about 4Gs and you recover, and then it does another one, repeating this&nbsp;about 10 or 12 times&nbsp;over several hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"618\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/ZeroG-retouch-group-weightless-DGrimes-618.jpg\" alt=\"Soaring and floating in weightlessness aboard an Ilyushin-76. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes\" class=\"wp-image-14052\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/ZeroG-retouch-group-weightless-DGrimes-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/ZeroG-retouch-group-weightless-DGrimes-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/ZeroG-retouch-group-weightless-DGrimes-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/ZeroG-retouch-group-weightless-DGrimes-618-600x388.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\" \/><figcaption>Soaring and floating in weightlessness aboard an Ilyushin-76. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Go Inside the Russian Space Program <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The elements on this trip collectively offer a&nbsp;great insider\u2019s view&nbsp;of how the space program works, and how well it works.<\/strong> Over the past few years, the US had been&nbsp;reliant on the Soyuz&nbsp;for delivering our astronauts to the International Space Station. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, we\u2019ve had a&nbsp;very good working relationship in space with Russia.&nbsp;You see it in the&nbsp;camaraderie between American and Russian crews&nbsp;going up in the Soyuz; they are friends for life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"618\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140528_astronaut_walk_7606-CU-RussianAmerican-CPMichel-618.jpg\" alt=\"Russian Maksim Surayev and American Gregory Wiseman fly together on a 2014 Soyuz mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: Christopher Prentiss Michel\" class=\"wp-image-14033\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140528_astronaut_walk_7606-CU-RussianAmerican-CPMichel-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140528_astronaut_walk_7606-CU-RussianAmerican-CPMichel-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140528_astronaut_walk_7606-CU-RussianAmerican-CPMichel-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/20140528_astronaut_walk_7606-CU-RussianAmerican-CPMichel-618-600x388.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\" \/><figcaption>Russian Maksim Surayev and American Gregory Wiseman fly together on a 2014 Soyuz mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: Christopher Prentiss Michel<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It all fits in with&nbsp;MIR\u2019s original ideology,&nbsp;with our name in Russian meaning both \u201c<em>world<\/em>\u201d and \u201c<em>peace<\/em>.\u201d For us at MIR, such&nbsp;friendships, travel, and exploration&nbsp;know no borders or boundaries \u2013 even into space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to go inside the Russian Space program yourself? <strong>Check out our <em>Inside the Russian Space Program<\/em> tour and <a href=\"\/contact\/\">contact us<\/a> today!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"\/trip\/inside-the-russian-space-program\/\">Inside the russian space program<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignwide has-background-dim-30 has-background-dim\" style=\"background-image:url(http:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Moika-1-1-of-1-Jered-Gorman.jpg);min-height:250px\"><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\"><strong>More on \u201cMIR\u2019s 30+ Years\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Want to find out more about MIR\u2019s beginnings and hear some unparalleled travel stories?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Learn more about&nbsp;\u201cMIR\u2019s 30+ Years\u201d&nbsp;of travel experiences and adventures<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"\/tag\/mir-history\/\">MIR\u2019s 30+ Years<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Contact us today to chat about your travel dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"\/contact\/\">contact us<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Of all the tours we\u2019ve offered to MIR\u2019s 35 destinations over more than 30 years, the one that I unabashedly like best is our behind-the-scenes Inside the Russian Space Program tour, which harkens back to the Cold War days of the U.S.-Soviet space race. To me, this tour symbolizes MIR\u2019s expansive spirit \u2013 that even space can be the focus for intrepid travelers who are intent on learning more about history, politics, and science on their travel journeys. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14056,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[753,752,75,754,725,755,756,101,215,757,102,758,760,761,707,759,762,763,462,764,765,766,767,59,768],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Venturing Inside the Russian Space Program<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Our Inside the Russian Space Program tour symbolizes MIR\u2019s expansive spirit \u2013 that even space can be the focus for intrepid travelers to learn more.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow\" 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