Russian Cosmonaut Conducted Critical SARS Virus Research in Space During Pandemic
In a significant revelation, veteran Russian cosmonaut-pilot Denis Matveev has disclosed that he conducted an important SARS virus-related experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in 2022 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The retired spacewalker, who spent 195 days in space and performed four spacewalks, shared these details during an exclusive interaction in New Delhi.
Microgravity Protein Growth for Vaccine Development
Matveev explained the groundbreaking nature of his space experiment, stating, "I was able to conduct a very interesting experiment called magnetic fabrication. The idea was to grow proteins of the COVID virus in a microgravity state. In microgravity, protein cells grow bigger and develop a clearer structure for examination."
The cosmonaut successfully grew SARS proteins in space and returned them to Earth, where they were subsequently sent to a Chinese laboratory for detailed analysis. This research contributed significantly to scientific understanding of the virus structure and played a role in vaccine development efforts during the global health crisis.
Mentoring India's Gaganyaan Astronauts at Russian Training Center
Beyond his space research accomplishments, Matveev has been actively involved in training and mentoring the four selected Indian astronauts for the ambitious Gaganyaan mission. The cosmonaut, who received the prestigious "Hero of the Russian Federation" award, spoke warmly about his experiences with the Indian spacefarers at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre (GCTC) in Star City, Russia.
Close Professional Relationships with Indian Space Explorers
Matveev described the four Indian pilots as exceptional professionals: "The four chosen Indian pilots — Shuk (Shubhanshu Shukla), Papa (Prashanth B Nair), Max (Angad Pratap) and Ajit Krishnan — are great guys. Very professional. They are the right choice from the Indian side for the Gaganyaan mission."
The Indian astronauts trained at GCTC for over a year in 2021, during which time Matveev established strong working relationships with them. He recently reunited with three of the astronauts at a space conference in Bangalore, where they discussed current developments on the International Space Station and reminisced about their training days together.
From Space Station Veteran to Next-Generation Mentor
Denis Matveev's space career began unexpectedly when he was working as an engineer at GCTC. At age 27, he decided to apply for cosmonaut selection when Roscosmos announced a new class, successfully passing all stages to begin his extraordinary journey as a space explorer.
Transition to Training Future Space Explorers
Following his retirement from active spaceflight duty, Matveev has transitioned to mentoring the next generation of cosmonauts at the Russian training center. His extensive experience includes:
- Activating the European robotic arm outside the ISS
- Performing critical station maintenance tasks during Expedition 67
- Participating in wide-ranging scientific research with crewmates Oleg Artemyev and Sergey Korsakov
Future of International Space Cooperation
The veteran cosmonaut, who is currently in India celebrating the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's historic spaceflight, has been advocating for enhanced Indo-Russian collaboration on joint space exploration and future projects. He revealed that Russia is planning to establish its own national space station, with the first module scheduled for launch in 2027 as the ISS approaches the end of its operational lifespan.
Matveev emphasized that this new Russian space station will be open to international cooperation, potentially creating new opportunities for collaborative research and exploration between spacefaring nations. His work with Indian astronauts and his advocacy for joint projects highlight the continuing importance of international partnerships in advancing humanity's presence in space.
