The Honorary Title Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation (
Russian: Летчик-космонавт Российской Федерации) 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.
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.[3]
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" (
Russian: ЛЕТЧИК), along the upper right edge of the pentagon above the globe, the gilt relief inscription "COSMONAUT" (
Russian: КОСМОНАВТ), along the bottom edge of the pentagon under the globe, the gilt inscription "RUSSIA" (
Russian: РОССИИ,
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.[3]
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.[3]
List of recipients
The individuals listed below have all received the Honorary Title of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation:[4]