Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko, a world record holder for total time spent in space, has spoken out about the need to improve living conditions on the International Space Station (ISS). He specifically noted the absence of a coffee machine on board, calling it a significant daily issue for «coffee lovers» among the crew.
During a recent press conference, Kononenko candidly stated: «We are all coffee enthusiasts; we love coffee, but there is no coffee machine on the station. We would like to see our everyday problems begin to be addressed.»
The record-holding cosmonaut revealed that astronauts have actively participated in discussions regarding the future design of space stations. A consensus emerged that the era of merely surviving in space should evolve, making way for comfortable living and productive working environments.
Kononenko further proposed that future station modules should be purpose-built and specialized, rather than designed for multiple functions. He outlined several essential dedicated areas: a medical module for health care, a fitness module for physical exercise, separate sleeping quarters, a designated dining area, and a module specifically for scientific experimentation.
In June 2024, Oleg Kononenko made history by becoming the first person to accumulate over a thousand days in space. This remarkable duration is roughly equivalent to the time it would take to complete two round trips to Mars. Upon his return from his current orbital mission, Kononenko`s total time spent in space reached an astonishing 1111 days.
Looking ahead, a new Russian orbital station is being developed to succeed the International Space Station. The first module of this new station is slated for launch in 2027. The operational lifespan of the current ISS was last extended until 2030.
