Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Thanks a million! Top cosmonaut wins lawsuit against Russia's space training centre

Sergei Volkov complained he hadn't been given back pay

James Legge
Friday 04 October 2013 14:26 BST
Comments
Sergei Volkov complained he hadn't been given back pay
Sergei Volkov complained he hadn't been given back pay (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A top cosmonaut has won a million-rouble legal wrangle with Russia's space training centre.

Sergei Volkov, head of cosmonauts at the Gagarin training centre with over 199 days logged in space, complained he hadn't been given back pay. This followed a decision to strip retired military men of extra pay for their space experience.

Volkov, 40, started out as a military pilot and went on long-term missions at the International Space Station in 2008 and 2011.

And on Friday a court upheld his suit, ruling that the centre should pay cosmonauts with military backgrounds for the spaceflights they have completed. The centre now has to pay Volkov 1.4 million roubles (£27,000) in back wages.

Cosmonaut Sergei Zaletin told the RIA Novosti news agency that Volkov was "representing all military cosmonauts."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in