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They mention "Russian language training" in the Astronaut Candidate training program. Interesting.
by geonnave 11y ago
They mention "Russian language training" in the Astronaut Candidate training program.
Interesting.
- ceejayoz 11y agoWhy interesting? Any NASA astronaut who goes to space currently has to work with Russians on the ISS, and gets there via a Russian launch vehicle. Basic knowledge of the language is a must, if for nothing other than "don't press the button labeled 'self-destruct' in Russian".
- geonnave 11y agoOh, sure. I didn't realized that at first. It must be my programmer brain telling me "English is the one global language" all the time. (note: I'm not an English native speaker)
- iamcurious 11y agoIt is, until it isn't. I wonder how long would English last as the lingua franca of the west if the USA focused inward like Canada.
- siberianbear 11y agoAs soon as I read that part, I wanted to apply. I am as much as an American as it gets: some of my ancestors fought in the Revolutionary and American Civil wars. But I speak Russian fluently and I've been living in Siberia for a few years. As soon as I read that, I realized that I would instantly be "best buds" with the Russian astronauts on the ISS because I don't just speak their language: I also (kind of) understand their culture. Unfortunately, I don't have any experience flying jet aircraft. So the challenge is meant for someone else...