# Maksim Surayev

> Russian cosmonaut and politician

**Wikidata**: [Q461807](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q461807)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maksim_Surayev)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/maksim-surayev

## Summary
Maksim Surayev is a Russian cosmonaut and politician renowned for his contributions to space exploration and public service. Born on May 24, 1972, he served as a crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during Expedition 41 and later transitioned to politics, representing the 7th State Duma of the Russian Federation. A decorated figure, he holds the title of Hero of the Russian Federation and has received NASA honors for his spaceflight achievements.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 24, 1972  
- **Nationality**: Russian (formerly Soviet)  
- **Education**:  
  - Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots  
  - Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy  
  - Russian Academy of State Service  
- **Known for**: Space missions with Expedition 41 and political tenure in the State Duma  
- **Employer(s)**: Russian Aerospace Forces, Roscosmos, State Duma  
- **Field(s)**: Space exploration, military aviation, politics  

## Contributions
- **Expedition 41 (2014)**: Served as a flight engineer aboard the ISS, contributing to scientific research and station operations.  
- **State Duma Membership (2016–2021)**: Represented the 7th convocation, focusing on legislative duties in Russia’s lower parliamentary house.  
- **Military Aviation**: Trained as a fighter pilot and graduated from prestigious Soviet/Russian military academies.  
- **Public Outreach**: Maintained a blog documenting his space experiences, enhancing public engagement with space programs.  

## FAQs
**What are Maksim Surayev’s most notable achievements?**  
He flew on Expedition 41 to the ISS, earned the Hero of the Russian Federation title, and served in the State Duma, bridging careers in space exploration and politics.  

**Where was Maksim Surayev educated?**  
He graduated from the Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots, Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy, and the Russian Academy of State Service.  

**What political roles has he held?**  
Surayev was a deputy in the 7th State Duma, participating in legislative activities from 2016 to 2021.  

**How is he recognized internationally?**  
He received NASA’s Distinguished Public Service Medal and Space Flight Medal for his contributions to ISS missions.  

## Why They Matter
Maksim Surayev’s dual career as a cosmonaut and politician underscores his unique impact on both scientific and governmental spheres. His space missions advanced international collaboration aboard the ISS, while his political tenure influenced Russian legislative processes. As a recipient of Russia’s highest honors and NASA awards, he embodies the intersection of national prestige and global scientific cooperation. His legacy reflects the strategic importance of space exploration to Russia’s identity and its role in global affairs.

## Notable For
- **Awards**: Hero of the Russian Federation, Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation, NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal.  
- **Missions**: Expedition 41 (2014).  
- **Political Role**: Deputy in the 7th State Duma.  
- **Military Background**: Fighter pilot training at Soviet/Russian aviation academies.  
- **Public Engagement**: Blogging about space experiences.  

## Body

### Early Life and Education  
Maksim Viktorovich Surayev was born on May 24, 1972, in the Soviet Union. He pursued a military aviation career, graduating from the Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots and later the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy. His education also included studies at the Russian Academy of State Service, preparing him for roles in public governance.  

### Space Career  
Selected as a cosmonaut in 1997, Surayev underwent rigorous training before assignment to Expedition 41 (2014). During his 166-day mission aboard the ISS, he conducted scientific experiments, maintained station systems, and participated in spacewalks. His contributions earned him the Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration" and international recognition via NASA’s Distinguished Public Service Medal.  

### Political Career  
Transitioning to politics, Surayev served in the 7th State Duma (2016–2021), representing Russia’s legislative body. His work aligned with the Russian United Party, focusing on policy initiatives tied to defense, science, and education. This dual career path—cosmonaut and lawmaker—distinguishes him among Russian public figures.  

### Awards and Recognition  
Surayev’s accolades include:  
- **Hero of the Russian Federation** (1992), the nation’s highest honor.  
- **Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation**, recognizing his spaceflight expertise.  
- **NASA Space Flight Medal** (2014) for his ISS mission.  
- **Commendation of the Government of Russia** for public service.  

### Legacy  
As a decorated cosmonaut and politician, Surayev symbolizes Russia’s emphasis on scientific achievement and political leadership. His ISS mission reinforced international partnerships, while his Duma tenure reinforced domestic governance. Without his efforts, Russia’s space program would lack a key contributor, and its political landscape would miss a bridge between scientific and legislative communities.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/suraev.html)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013