Valery Polyakov: Record-breaking Russian cosmonaut dies aged 80

[Still Waters]

A Russian cosmonaut who holds the record for the longest-ever trip to space has died aged 80.

Valery Polyakov spent 437 full days orbiting the Earth between 1994 and 1995 on the Mir space station.

He worked on experiments to see whether people could maintain their mental health if they were to make a long journey to Mars.

Tests found that there was no impairment of his cognitive function as a result of his 14-month expedition.

Polyakov's death was announced by the Russian space agency, which used his honorary titles, including hero of the Soviet Union and pilot-cosmonaut of the USSR.

The cause of Polyakov's death was not disclosed.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62964177