# Gennady Padalka

> Russian Air Force officer and an RSA cosmonaut

**Wikidata**: [Q362998](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q362998)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gennady_Padalka)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gennady-padalka

## Summary
Gennady Padalka is a Russian Air Force officer and RSA cosmonaut, known for his extensive experience in space exploration. He has participated in multiple expeditions to the International Space Station (ISS) and holds the record for the most time spent in space by a Russian astronaut. His contributions include leadership in space missions and recognition for his achievements in aerospace.

## Biography
- Born: June 21, 1958
- Nationality: Russian
- Education: Graduated from the Orenburg Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots
- Known for: Long-duration space missions and record-breaking time spent in space
- Employer(s): Roscosmos State Corporation
- Field(s): Aerospace, space exploration

## Contributions
Gennady Padalka has participated in multiple expeditions to the International Space Station (ISS), including Expedition 9, Expedition 19, Expedition 20, Expedition 32, and Expedition 44. His contributions include:
- **Expedition 9 (2004)**: Served as a flight engineer, contributing to ISS operations and scientific research.
- **Expedition 19 (2009)**: Commanded the ISS, overseeing crew activities and mission objectives.
- **Expedition 20 (2009)**: Continued leadership in space station operations.
- **Expedition 32 (2012)**: Conducted scientific experiments and maintained ISS systems.
- **Expedition 44 (2015)**: Led the ISS crew, focusing on research and station maintenance.
Padalka holds the record for the most time spent in space by a Russian astronaut, totaling over 878 days across his missions. He has been recognized with awards such as the Hero of the Russian Federation, the Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration," and the Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation.

## FAQs
**What is Gennady Padalka known for?**
Gennady Padalka is known for his extensive experience in space exploration, having participated in multiple expeditions to the International Space Station (ISS) and holding the record for the most time spent in space by a Russian astronaut.

**Where did Gennady Padalka receive his education?**
Gennady Padalka graduated from the Orenburg Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots.

**Which expeditions has Gennady Padalka participated in?**
Gennady Padalka has participated in Expedition 9, Expedition 19, Expedition 20, Expedition 32, and Expedition 44 to the International Space Station.

**What awards has Gennady Padalka received?**
Gennady Padalka has received the Hero of the Russian Federation, the Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration," and the Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation.

**What is Gennady Padalka's record in space exploration?**
Gennady Padalka holds the record for the most time spent in space by a Russian astronaut, totaling over 878 days across his missions.

## Why They Matter
Gennady Padalka's contributions to space exploration have significantly advanced our understanding of long-duration spaceflight and the International Space Station's operations. His record-breaking time in space and leadership in multiple expeditions have set new standards for Russian astronauts. His work has influenced future space missions and inspired a new generation of cosmonauts and scientists. Without his extensive experience, the ISS would have lacked the expertise and endurance needed for sustained human presence in space.

## Notable For
- Holding the record for the most time spent in space by a Russian astronaut (over 878 days).
- Participating in multiple expeditions to the International Space Station (Expedition 9, 19, 20, 32, and 44).
- Receiving the Hero of the Russian Federation, the Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration," and the Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation.
- Leading ISS operations and conducting scientific research during his missions.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Gennady Padalka was born on June 21, 1958. He graduated from the Orenburg Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots, where he began his career as an aircraft pilot.

### Military Career
Padalka served as an officer in the Russian Air Force, gaining extensive experience in aviation before transitioning to space exploration.

### Space Missions
Padalka has participated in multiple expeditions to the International Space Station (ISS), including:
- **Expedition 9 (2004)**: Served as a flight engineer, contributing to ISS operations and scientific research.
- **Expedition 19 (2009)**: Commanded the ISS, overseeing crew activities and mission objectives.
- **Expedition 20 (2009)**: Continued leadership in space station operations.
- **Expedition 32 (2012)**: Conducted scientific experiments and maintained ISS systems.
- **Expedition 44 (2015)**: Led the ISS crew, focusing on research and station maintenance.

### Records and Achievements
Padalka holds the record for the most time spent in space by a Russian astronaut, totaling over 878 days. His extensive experience has made him a key figure in Russian space exploration.

### Awards and Recognition
Padalka has been recognized with numerous awards, including:
- Hero of the Russian Federation
- Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration"
- Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation
- NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal
- NASA Space Flight Medal

### Employer and Affiliations
Padalka is affiliated with Roscosmos State Corporation, the space agency of Russia, where he continues to contribute to space exploration efforts.

### Legacy
Gennady Padalka's contributions to space exploration have set new standards for Russian astronauts and influenced future missions. His record-breaking time in space and leadership in multiple expeditions have left a lasting impact on the field of aerospace.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/padalka.html)
2. [Source](http://www.gctc.ru/main.php?id=2910)
3. [Source](https://searchpub.nssc.nasa.gov/servlet/sm.web.Fetch/Agency_Awards_Historical_Recipient_List.pdf?rhid=1000&did=2120817&type=released)
4. [Центр подготовки космонавтов им. Ю.А.Гагарина. Официальный Web-сайт](https://www.gctc.ru/print.php?id=617)
5. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Quora