The Honorary Title Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation is a state award of the Russian Federation presented to all cosmonauts who fly for the Russian Federal Space Agency. Usually accompanying the distinction is the title of Hero of the Russian Federation, the highest title that can be awarded to a Russian for performing heroic deeds while in service of the state.

History of the title

The Honorary Title of Pilot-Cosmonaut was originally established by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet on April 14, 1961, it was then called Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the title was retained by the Law of the Russian Federation 2555-1 dated March 20, 1992 and the title was renamed Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation.

Award statute

The Honorary Title "Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation" is assigned by the president of the Russian Federation for the outstanding feat of space flight. The insignia of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation is worn on the right side of the chest above orders and decorations.

Award description

The Honorary Title "Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation" is a 25mm wide by 23.8mm high convex pentagon with a gilt silver rim. In the center is an image of the terrestrial globe with the territory of the Russian Federation enamelled in blue. A gold star denotes Moscow as the point of origin of a gilt orbital path going around the globe once to reach a silver satellite at the upper left of the globe. A second orbital path, this time enamelled in red, starts at the bottom center of the globe going up in an arc narrowing along the way to reach a gilt spacecraft above the globe. Along the upper left edge of the pentagon above the globe, the gilt relief inscription "PILOT", along the upper right edge of the pentagon above the globe, the gilt relief inscription "COSMONAUT" , along the bottom edge of the pentagon under the globe, the gilt inscription "RUSSIA" (, lit. 'of Russia'), along the left and right lower edges of the pentagon, prominent gilt laurel branches. The reverse of the insignia is plain except for the award serial number. The insignia is secured to a standard Russian square mount by a ring through the suspension loop. The mount is covered by a silk moiré tricolour ribbon of white, blue and red.

List of recipients

The individuals listed below have all received the Honorary Title of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation: