Cosmonaut who Holds the Record for Longest Stay in Space Dies

Cosmonaut Valery Vladimirovich Polyakov, who holds the record for the longest single stay in space, has died at age 80.

Born on April 27, 1942, the Russian cosmonaut lived and worked in space for a record 437 days in one stint – orbiting Earth aboard the Mir space station more than 7,000 times between January 8, 1994, and March 22, 1995.

Polyakov undertook two space expeditions during his career, with a total duration of 678 days and 16 hours, according to Roscosmos.

“His research helped prove that the human body is ready for flights not only to near-Earth orbit, but also to deep space,” Roscosmos said in a statement, adding: “We express our deep condolences to the relatives and friends of Valery Vladimirovich.”