About
Yelena Vladimirovna Kondakova is a Russian cosmonaut who made history as the third Soviet or Russian woman to travel to space and the first woman to undertake a long-duration spaceflight. She embarked on her first space mission aboard Soyuz TM-20 in 1994, spending five months at the Mir space station. Kondakova later flew on the United States Space Shuttle Atlantis during mission STS-84. She remained the last Russian woman in space until Elena Serova's flight to the International Space Station in 2014.
Career Timeline
First Space Mission on Mir
Kondakova's first space mission aboard Soyuz TM-20 marked a significant achievement, boosting her reputation as a cosmonaut.
Atlantis Space Shuttle Mission
Her flight on the Space Shuttle Atlantis further solidified her expertise in space operations and increased her visibility.
Completed Space Career
After completing her space missions, Kondakova transitioned to other roles, impacting her public profile.
Entered Politics
Kondakova entered politics, leveraging her fame for a new career.
Moved Away From Political Spotlight
Her political influence waned, leading to fewer public appearances and a slight decrease in relevance.
Legacy as female cosmonaut
Kondakova remains a respected figure in Russian space exploration history, though her fame has faded from its peak.
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Last updated: February 24, 2026