I am a cosmonaut who has survived numerous catastrophes during my stay in space. I'm currently developing a game called Space Pioneer. My name is Aleksandr Lazutkin and Ask me Anything!

Sex in space. Talk.

It's always a learning experience...

привет саша! Wow, it's not often that the English speaking world gets to talk to cosmonauts directly, so let me make the most of this..

1. Have you read Dragonfly? What's your take on it?

2. Did you meet with Bryan Burroughs when he was researching the book?

3. Do you still have a lot of friends at Энергия/роскосмос/Федералспаце/лавочкин? Has the culture with respect to manned spaceflight mission planning changed? With the ISS? In terms of the over-working the cosmonauts etc.?

4. I know at NASA, they like to trump the spirit of international co-operation, but frankly, it seems flimsy- what with the Russian Segment more or less functionally isolated from the US segment, and with the clarion call for "launchers from US soil". What's been your experience post your retirement as a cosmonaut? (EDIT: compared to your experience as a cosmonaut)

5. Where do you think the Russian space industry is headed? One decade from now - post ISS? Do you think it'd be in a partnership with the other global space agencies for a concerted effort? Continued experiments on the long term effects of sustained exposure to microgravity, still in LEO? What's the inside scoop on the new, much delayed multipurpose module?

Sorry for the late reply!

Bryan was the first foreign journalist to interview me for a long period of time. He was given the task of writing about Russian and U.S. cooperation in space. Under these pretenses -- he was given the green-light by NASA and Roscosmos to interview people like us with anything that related to that topic. He could pretty much interview anyone in our agencies! But despite that status; he only collected information about our mission in Space.

We discussed things for around a month, and he's been to my apartment numerous times. For me -- I would say that he is a prime example of how journalists should work. Specifically with him, I experienced what it was truly like to have a battle of wits! I understood what episodes in our mission that he was interested in, and I also understood that he didn't understand everything that went on while we were in space.

This person ultimately gave me the boost that I needed to start writing my book and also to start developing Space Pioneer. And I also now understand how important it is that I wrote my experiences down every day when I was in Space. I'm incredibly grateful to him for that.

I'm planning to release my journals that I wrote while in space this year and I'm hoping to fund Space Pioneer so that it comes out too! This way you'll get to compare what he wrote about us and how I personally experienced those events.

What kind of catastrophes are you referring to? Also, how are cosmonauts viewed in Russia? Do they receive the same "superman" status as astronauts in the US/West?

Yes, I'd say that we are treated well by the general public! Well, a fire for starters, depressurization and a variety of life support problems. I'd say that my time in space was particularly problematic, when compared to other missions to the Mir.

How did you depressurize the modules? Did you have some spare air on-hand or did you have to wait for resupply?

We sealed off the module that was punctured. We stabilized the module we were in by releasing oxygen from the tanks that we use for spacewalks.

Was there a plan in place to get you out if Mir couldn't be saved? How long would you have had to wait?

In the event that it couldn't be saved, we would have tried to evacuate via a soyuz craft. It's always docked to the space station for cargo and evacuation purposes.

Where's the vodka stash Clooney keeps talking about. you know.. just in case..

We had Cognac...

Hello Alexandr,

With all due respect, while I'm a big fan of space in general and the ideas behind the "Space Pioneer" project, in the past I've cautioned anyone who is willing to fund it to hold their funds. I did this because there is little to no proof that the team is actually able to create a game (aside from there being some pretty paintings in the kickstarter). So apologies for skipping any sort of space questions and focusing my question around Space Pioneer, then.

Looking at the project's page, the scope of the game described seems to be way out of the budget that's being requested ($150,000), as well as none of the game designers showing proof that they've ever managed or created any sort of game ever. Not even a web/flash game. In fact, the only mention of experience comes from the studio director who merely says that he "is professionally and personally interested in Astro-Physics and video games."

Is there anything that you or the Space Enigma team can show or say that would help ease my fears that this project will actually come to fruition and be half the things the Space Enigma team is promising?

Thanks.

I can definitely elaborate -- every cosmonaut that's listed on our team has been making professional grade space sims for most of their career (that includes me) -- it's much easier for us to make something that's fun and incorporates RTS game-play then it is to make accurate space simulators. I can also add that one of our team members (he's not listed on our Kickstarter yet) worked a long time with twisted pixel, and a lot of our team is very experienced in crafting games.

We are in pre-production and so we are focusing on story first and coding second. So we can show you early builds, but they wouldn't accurately represent what we want our game to be. Thanks for taking the time to write on this thread! But we need your help to reach our goal so that we can actually make this game. Our team is unique to the video game industry and we are completely confident that we can make this game all that we want it to be. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer

The Russian designer who gave us the footage claimed it as his own and we took his word for it. When someone informed us that it was from somewhere else -- we took it down because we have no intention of being fraudsters! And we are now talking to him about it...

I currently work in simulation, making training simulators for heavy construction equipment. I'm also pursuing a degree in Physics. If I wanted to seek a career in space simulation, do you think that would be possible? Or do they usually want people who have experience in space (cosmonauts such as yourself)?

If you have a true passion for things like space and physics, then of course it's possible for you to make a living by making space sims. By no means do you have to fly to space to be able to make space sims (though it doesn't hurt). Good luck with your degree and future endeavors!

And we are now talking to him about it...

That's not nearly enough. You need to fire him from the team, and implement hiring procedures that ensure you never end up with anyone like him working with you ever again.

He's seriously damaged the credibility of your whole project, and if you can't confidently assure potential Kickstarters that they'll be backing a 100% legitimate team of developers, you shouldn't expect any more funding.

Make sure this guy is gone. Your complicity in his continued employment reflects very badly on your own legitimacy.

Don't worry -- he's not on our team anymore... I just didn't want to be too negative here. We are talking to him about it is supposed to be a term for being fired.

The Russian and U.S. Space programs were at one time great rivals. Are there still any of these leftover resentments between the Russian and U.S. programs, or is it all a thing of the past now?

During soviet times; there was of course rivalry that was fueled by cold war politics. But there is no resentment now -- we're all friends and we all want to explore space together. We share the same obstacles (financing) and all want for Humanity to reach out to the stars.

Did you ever just feel completely overwhelmed by the vastness out there?

Always actually; to think that we are just a tiny spec within the universe is a very sobering thought.

I saw somewhere that while the Sochi games cost $51 billion, going to Mars would only cost $2.5 billion. Do you think the funding problem lies with public misperception of the value of the space program or in the ignorance of politicians?

I think it's a little bit of both. Though the budget for Sochi was absurd in it's own right... People need to be inspired to venture out into space and politicians need to see that people are interested in space exploration. That's happened before with the Soviet/U.S. space race and it can happen again if there is enough interest. I'd also like to say that star trek was something that inspired a lot future of NASA and Roscosmos employees. We want to accomplish the same thing with Space Pioneer!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer

Hey everyone -- I'm going to start answering early since I'm already getting some great as well as intriguing questions. Thanks for commenting!

No, Thank you!

Большое спасибо and vielen dank!

Have you ever seen a UFO during your time up in space? Also what do you know about aliens and what have you heard from other cosmonauts?

I was actively searching for them and fantasized about seeing them, but did not see any with my own eyes. I believe that other life exists somewhere, and I want to show people my interpretation of it (as well as my team's), through Space Pioneer. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer

What was the most incredible thing about space?

Looking back at the planet that you've been living on for your whole life. It's an incredible thing to experience!

You should play Kerbal Space Program.

I should!

aliens, and other life, any of it? and what did you eat as snacks and stuff

Our country makes delicious space food! My favorite snack was the cognac... I'm sure that there are aliens somewhere out there!

http://cosmiclog.nbcnews.com/_news/2010/10/14/5291711-alcohol-in-space-da

In fact; I'm going to drink some cognac when the first redditor pledges to our Kickstarter. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer

First pledge from Reddit -- I'm drinking up -- thank you James! You'll get a signed photo from me. Anyone who pledges from Reddit today will get that as a reward too (no matter how much you pledge), so what are you waiting for?

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer

I hope you were sincere :) I pledged for the respect of the russian astronauts and for the honor the have something signed by you :o!

Yes definitely was sincere. :) You'll be getting it as a Kickstarter reward -- we keep track of all the names and what site they come from. Thank you!

Thanks! " All contributors for today will get a signed photo from Lazutkin as a Kickstarter reward in the future. We're also happy to announce that previous backers will be getting a signed photo from Lazutkin too! He will have a lot of signing to do... Thanks again!" --from our Kickstarter. My hand will fall off I think. :) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer/comments

Think it's possible to get people to Mars in 15 years?

It's more than possible! We can send people to mars RIGHT NOW if we had the funding to do it.

You have said, after the collision on Mir, that when the station passed through the night side and you lost power that you didn't think it was so bad. Where did you find peace in such a situation? Because I would be terrified.

Thanks for doing this and for putting yourself in danger in space for the rest of us!

You just got that from his Wikipedia article, didn't you?

I was still beyond terrified! But I found some peace in the fact that I was still alive.

What's your opinion on the film Gravity?

I've only seen trailers for it, but it looks like it could be a good film. It's not accurate to how space is in real life, but it looks to be entertaining. And anything that inspires people to think about space is a good thing!

Living in such close quarters, how often do disputes arise and what do you do to mediate them? Have you ever seen or been in a fight while in the space station?

We had so many problems on our space station that we didn't have any time to argue. It's definitely hard, but we are professionals who try not to do those types of things.

Thanks Sergei for being the 2nd redditor to pledge on our Kickstarter! Everyone on reddit who pledges today will get a signed photo from me (no matter how much they contribute -- even if it's one dollar) as a Kickstarter reward. :) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer

Thanks to Scott too for contributing!

And thank you to Daniel.

And thank you to a lot more people! You guys are awesome -- I'm continuing the signed photo thing as a Kickstarter reward for today too. :)

Much free time in space? If so, how did you spend it?

Not as much as you would think. We had a strict regime and free time was mostly reserved for sleep to be honest.

What are your feelings on the lost cosmonaut theory? Crazy conspiracy theory or probable fact?

I don't think that a cover up like this happened in real life. But Space Pioneer will actually incorporate the lost cosmonaut theory within its lore as a legend of sorts!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer

Did you do any experiments on your own accord just to see how stuff works? And if so what did you do?

Well between all the fires, collisions and lack of oxygen -- I'd say that we had a lot of unplanned experiments! So we had a lot of fun there...

Was there ever a time when you seriously feared for your life and didn't think you'd make it home?

Yes -- through all of those times I always feared for my life. But after a certain time, I felt relief because I was still alive after all (and still am)!

Will Russia ever send a man on the moon? If so, would you like to be a part of that team?

I'm ready to fly right now! Hopefully they do, and I hope that we eventually go further beyond that.

Important one here: If Russia and America both made a giant robot, who would win in an epic showdown over Tokyo?

None -- they would team up with Japan to go up against China.

Have you experienced many health problems from your time in space?

I can't say that I've experienced health problems that have been caused directly from being in space. I can say that I had a heart problem afterwards, specifically during a health check up in Houston. That's why I haven't been to space since.

A cosmonaut doing AMA only gets 1.3k upvotes and barely 250 comments while the idiot liljohn crap gets thousands of upvotes/comments. How sad.

More people know a rapper than a cosmonaut. It's just the way that things are. I'm still grateful for all the comments I'm getting!

How did you feel when the US retired its last space shuttle? Did it at least feel a little good that America would have to come to Russia, hat in hand, if it wanted to send any people into space?

No; it felt awful to hear that the shuttle program was dismantled. Politicians would be the only people who would be happy about that. I'm glad that the U.S. is developing a new launch system; anything that advances humanity's reach in our galaxy is a good thing.

What one thing do you wish you had/could have brought?

If I could fly again today -- I'd bring my family with me.

What are your views on the tumult in Ukraine?

 I think that people want to have a better life, and that's why all this is going on.

What is your professional assessment of the Chinese space program.

I think that their space program is expanding rapidly and that they are taking a very serious approach towards the exploration of space. The further along they get in their space program, the more competition you wile see from other space agencies -- this is always a good thing.

Lots of people talking about commercial space travel, some companies even offering tickets as prizes for promotions..realistically do you see that as a probability within the next 50-100 years?

Within the next 50-100 years? I think that it is a given that there will be a thriving commercial space industry by then. I hate to self promote so much, but our game will cover that in great detail!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer

Hello Mr. Lazutkin. I am very thankful that you have agreed to answer our questions here at reddit, and I have a couple for you myself.

1. What was the hardest part of the training in order to become a cosmonaut? Was there like a personal threshold you had to overcome in order to continue your training, something you never thought you would be able to do?

2. How did you and your family handle the separation from each other?

And last but not least, How did you decide of all the things you could have possibly done after you discontinued your career, that you wish to develop a game? That sounds awesome!

Thanks for the well thought out questions! When I was young, I went to a school that specializes in sports. To this day I professionally practice gymnastics and parachuting. So training for me was not that big of an issue.

It was definitely a hard thing to do; but I was young and ambitious, and I had the opportunity to go to space -- my family was very understanding of that. I did miss them very much though.

I always wanted to show people how interesting space is, and that there is much more to our world. Space Pioneer enables me to inspire people to look to the stars and I hope that our game will garner more public awareness towards space exploration. But we need your help to make our game come to life -- take a look at our Kickstarter and please pledge whatever amount that you can.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer

Thank you for your answers, I will be sure to help out as I can&spread the word. Good luck!

Thank you very much Zorrie!

What's the one thing that you realized you forgot at home once you boarded the MIR?

I forgot to bring my wife!

8 cosmonauts have shared hallucination of winged creature while in space . Explain .

edit: Here is the link for anybody wondering.

http://english.pravda.ru/society/anomal/14-06-2011/118195-angels-0/

I've heard of these hallucinations but haven't experienced it myself. You see things in space that you can't see on earth -- it greatly expands your view of the world. You also have to take into account that people did not evolve to be in space, and we still don't know the full extent of what happens to you in space, both in a physical and psychological sense. Everyone has there own problems whilst in space, and some people experience hallucinations.

What does space food taste like?

Surprisingly good actually - I think that they just developed pizza too! One of the reward tiers on our Kickstarter features Russian space food as a reward. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer

Hello sir, First of all I would like to thank you for doing this. And second I would like to apologize for my question which I would assume you have heard a million times. But I have wondered, What is like up there? Like really? I can't imagine looking over the entirety of the human race and being able to look into the void of space at the same time. What is it like to look into our universe and realize how small we truly are?

When you get the opportunity to contrast the vastness that is our universe and the spec of dust that our earth is in comparison; you can't help but think that there is something more out there. Something that we aren't seeing. It's what drove me to Space Pioneer. It's a medium through which I can show people what our cosmos might have in store for us.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer

Hello, sir and thank you for your service to expanding our knowledge of the cosmos.

I'm actually curious if you've seen the movie Gravity, and if you have, what are your thoughts on the science behind it and the procedures followed by the astronauts in the film?

I've only seen trailers. The science is not accurate, but it doesn't need to be. What's important is that the movie provokes more interest in things that relate to space. From what I've seen, it looks like an interesting and dramatic movie!

Hi! Thanks for doing this AMA. Space has always fascinated me so I love hearing from those that have been there.

My question is kind of a hypothetical one: Would you prefer going into space in a space shuttle (all now retired) or the Soyuz Rocket that Russia uses? What do you think is safer?

I don't know much about the safety of the Soyuz. But it seems like a rugged rocket that gets the job done. Whereas the space shuttle was a little more "fragile."

Thoughts?

I think that the Soyuz rocket is something that is conceptually the same thing that we have seen for a long time. It's a thoroughly tested technology that is reasonably dependable. With that said, it's a shame that the shuttle program was discontinued and I hope that we go on to develop new forms of space travel. I can't favor one over the other -- I'm, just happy that I got the chance to go to space!

What are you allowed to do in space or bring with you into space that American astronauts are not.

I'm not sure what is and isn't allowed now, but we were supplied with alcohol back then (un-offically), whilst NASA didn't allow it.

What is it like to ride in the Soyuz?

It's very jarring, and when you first feel weightless, it becomes especially jarring! I personally felt sick for the first week or so from the feeling -- but after that it became fun to be weightless...

Hi Sir! Welcome to reddit and thanks for this AMA. For my question, how do you see space exploration 5, 10, 15 years from now?

That's a wonderful question! My vision of what I want to see in space exploration is best expressed in the video game that I'm making. You can check it out at this link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer

Have you ever played kerbal space program?

I've heard about it but never played it. It sounds like a cool game! They kind of look like an alien from a U.S. cartoon show that I saw before. Think it's called invader zim or something like that.

How's the food in space? and since you believe in other life, what's one of your favorite sci-fi movies or novels?

2001: a space odyssey is one of my personal favorites. The food is great and most importantly, it's edible!

What do you think of "Buzz Aldrin's Race Into Space"?

Oh yes, BARIS... We have a different philosophy towards making games -- we want to make something that has innovative and fun game play, and something that isn't extremely difficult. It's better to inspire people to look into the stars then to force them to do it.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer

What did you see outside the moment you you broke the atmosphere and entered true space?

Imagine flying on a plane -- that's kind of how it looks like, but you're also weightless. But you can see for yourself on how it looks like:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYw4meRWGd4

How long does it take to get used to zero gravity? What was the biggest challenge you faced working and living in zero gravity?

It depends on each person. Some people get used to it immediately, while others never get used to it. There is this thing called the vestibular system that's the main determiner of how well you adjust to micro gravity conditions, and each person is different.

Thanks for doing this! Have you ever encountered any type of UFO's in space that you can't explain?

I wish that I had seen something! I was actively looking for them in any case, but couldn't find anything. Though I'm sure that they are out there somewhere in our universe.

What's it feel like being strapped to a rocket going straight up? How long does it usually take before leaving atmosphere?

It's a surreal experience to say the least! Usually around 4-5 minutes for Soyuz, but I don't know the exact time. I know the shuttle took a little longer.

what was the most exciting part of your time as a cosmonaut?

also, the game sounds like it has a lot of potential. i look forward to seeing the finished product. it definitely sounds like a game i would enjoy.

This is a cop out, as I can't really think of just one part of it that was exciting to me -- all of it was exciting! Just having the chance to go to space was incredibly exciting for me! Thank you for the kind words, and we need help from people like you to make that finished product. Please contribute whatever you can on our Kickstarter.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer

My brother wanted to ask if there was anything he could do to get ahead in order to become an astronaut. I know that you're a cosmonaut and came from a somewhat different era but you can probably give insight to him. He's about to graduate from high school

It's very hard to answer this question. If it's something that he really wants to do, then he has to be in perfect health, he has to be active in sports, and he has to do very well in high school/university. I majored in Mechanical Engineering, but the space flyers of today come from backgrounds that range from Biology to Physics.

Did you do THIS? If not, go back to space...you failed your mission.

That's horrible -- do you know how hard cleanup is in space! Keep it clumped together and eat it all at once like a real cosmonaut... :)

Thanks Reddit for supporting our Kickstarter! You are helping us come one step closer to realizing Space Pioneer. Everyone who pledges today will receive a signed photo from me as a Kickstarter reward in the future. It doesn't matter how much you contribute. And all previous backers are getting this too. It's going to take me a while to sign them all...

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer

So here's a tough question: Do you think it's been harder for space exploration to get funding since the end of the Cold War?

Obviously it was tense, dangerous period, but it seems to me that the space programs of both Russia and the USA lost their ambition once the competition was over.

On the contrary; I think that it's a great question that's relatively straightforward to answer. Funding for space exploration is standing still and it will stay that way until the public becomes interested in space. If China keeps expanding its space program then Russia and the U.S. will too. It's sadly very political.

What do you think is the problem with Russian Olympic hockey team?

I wouldn't know -- I was rooting for the Canadians...

Thank you for doing this AMA and thanks for your service and enthusiasm for space & science.

Great idea for the game. We really need this. I've been thinking about this ever since I download the starry night software. I want to explore the universe on my playstation or my phone. Hope you can make it happen or at least get us closer.

Are you on twitter? Post your twitter so I can follow you.

Our game's twitter is @pioneerspace and our facebook is as follows: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Space-Pioneer/562035007224528?ref=hl

Thanks for commenting!

Aleksandr, thank you for doing this AMA! I am a current physics student who is inspired by space and astronauts/cosmonauts. What could I be doing now that would prepare me to serve on space missions in the future? Я учусь России !

As long as you're truly passionate about what you are studying, then you always have a crack at going to space. And the possibility of you going to space can only increase in the future with the inevitable advancement of astronautics/cosmonautics. Learning Russian is a good idea too -- though it is a very tough language.

Mr. Lazutkin, thank you very much for doing this. Your ability to stay positive in such dangerous and previously uncharted circumstances is inspiring.

What a wonderful idea, to use a video game to spark interest amongst younger people. I'm a game designer myself (on the art side of things) and was wondering- If you could visit anywhere in the galaxy, what would you want to see with your own eyes?

Thanks for the kind words! That's a tough question; there are so many places to visit in our universe, so it's impossible for me to think of just one place to go. I'd visit as many places as I could if I could go anywhere in our galaxy right now.

Thanks for the AMA.

I realized we have the same birthday! I thought it was awesome and wanted to say that your game look fascinating.

My question is, did plan on being a cosmonaut since you were a child or did it become something you wanted to as a young adult.

Lets celebrate together this year then. :) But you'll have to become a part of our team first... Of course I've dreamed of it, albeit I seriously wanted it to be my profession when I was learning at the Moscow Aviation Institute.

Здравствуйте, г-н Лазуткин.

What is your opinion on private businesses taking over space exploration ("privatisation" of space)?

Hello to you too Lag! I think it's a good thing as it leads to more competition and more innovation in the field of astronautics.

First, thank you for doing this :) Second, which country do you personally believe was first to land a man on the moon??

I'm pretty sure that it was Niel Armstrong.

What would you say is the biggest difference in life when in space/a spaceship to real life?

Physically -- the feeling of being weightless.

Do you agree with the idea that our universe came from nothing? Also, may you please take my out of this planet? :)

I don't know what went on before our Universe existed -- I can only speculate. If you don't want to live on earth anymore, then become a Space Pioneer and we'll fly together to another world! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer

Need any help making your game?

Definitely -- we need people to pledge to our Kick-starter in order to make Space Pioneer happen!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1672987132/space-pioneer