The government approved the legal status of astronauts
The Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Medvedev signed the new decree about the astronauts, defining their legal status. The document is published on the official Internet portal of legal information.
According to him, the astronauts need to “conform to professional medical standards,” established “Roscosmos” and complete the selection and qualification certification in order to be accepted for the position.
In addition, the regulation stipulates that the astronauts have the right to receive medical care, specialized housing provided for the period of professional activity, and access to technical documentation for manned space objects. Also the astronauts, according to the document, have the right to know all the “credible information” about manned space flight, which involved, and the results of the mission — to present their own ideas and comments for its improvement.
In addition, the decree spelled out the duties of the astronauts. Among them, in particular, the document States the need for astronauts to inform specialists about the deterioration of health, and the importance of the participation of astronauts in “the promotion of the achievements” of Russia in manned space exploration.
Previously, on 22 April, a letter of resignation from the cosmonaut corps wrote Gennady Padalka. His decision he explained the absence of his “perspectives on the flight.” “Tired of idleness,” said he.
Two days later, after it became known that “Rosatom” is planning to release from posts of three other astronauts, namely the Deputy commander of the cosmonaut Sergei Revin and two of the test-cosmonauts Sergei Volkov and Alexander Samokutyaev.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the state Corporation Roskosmos, Rogozin later said that the layoffs were associated with the planned upgrade of the flight crew and the prospects of space development.
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How to become an astronaut?”Roscosmos” has announced an open competition in the cosmonaut detachment. 
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