Why People With Tattoos Rarely Become Cosmonauts in Russia
Becoming a space traveler is one of the most challenging careers in the world. Astronauts and cosmonauts must pass extremely strict medical tests, psychological evaluations, and years of training before they are allowed to fly into space. However, there is one surprising detail about the Russian space program that many people find unusual: candidates with tattoos often face difficulties when applying to become cosmonauts.
According to Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, a Hero of Russia and veteran space traveler, this tradition has existed for decades and dates back to the early days of the Soviet space program.
A Rule From the Soviet Era
The origins of this practice go back to the 1960s, when the Soviet Union was building its first teams of cosmonauts. At that time, the selection process was extremely strict, and doctors carefully examined every aspect of a candidate’s health, appearance, and psychological profile.
During that era, tattoos carried a very different cultural meaning than they do today. In Soviet society, tattoos were often associated with criminal culture and prison environments. Because of this, some specialists believed that a person who chose to tattoo their body might have questionable discipline or psychological traits.
As a result, candidates with tattoos were viewed with suspicion during the selection process. Over time, this attitude became an informal tradition within the Russian space program.
Although modern society views tattoos very differently, some of these historical traditions still influence the selection process today.
The Extremely Strict Cosmonaut Selection Process
Even without the issue of tattoos, becoming a cosmonaut is incredibly difficult. The selection process involves multiple stages and can take years to complete.
Candidates must pass:
- comprehensive medical examinations
- physical fitness tests
- psychological evaluations
- technical and engineering assessments
- survival training in extreme environments
Even minor medical conditions can disqualify a candidate. For example, poor eyesight, certain dental problems, or small physical irregularities may prevent someone from joining the program.
Because of these strict requirements, the selection committee looks for candidates who meet extremely precise standards. Any unusual factors, including visible tattoos, can raise additional questions during evaluation.
Why the Tradition Still Exists
According to Artemyev, the hesitation toward tattoos is largely a historical tradition rather than an official rule written in law.
The Russian cosmonaut corps traditionally values a neutral and disciplined appearance among its candidates. Many of the standards that developed during the Soviet space program have simply remained in place over time.
Space agencies often maintain long-standing traditions because space missions require extraordinary reliability and discipline. Selection committees prefer candidates who fit a very specific professional profile.
However, Artemyev noted that tattoos themselves do not directly affect a person’s ability to fly a spacecraft or work in space.
Differences With Other Space Agencies
Interestingly, attitudes toward tattoos are very different in other space programs around the world.
For example, in the United States, the NASA astronaut selection process does not automatically disqualify candidates who have tattoos. As long as a person meets the medical, technical, and psychological requirements, tattoos are generally not considered a major issue.
Similarly, European space agencies tend to focus primarily on education, training, and physical health rather than body art.
This means that people with tattoos who dream of becoming astronauts may still have opportunities in international space programs.
The Challenge of Becoming a Space Traveler
Regardless of appearance, the chances of becoming a cosmonaut or astronaut are extremely small.
Thousands of applicants may apply during each selection round, but only a few are chosen to join the training program. Those selected must undergo years of preparation, including:
- spacecraft systems training
- zero-gravity simulations
- underwater spacewalk practice
- emergency survival exercises
Astronauts must also learn how to handle long periods of isolation, high-stress situations, and complex scientific tasks while orbiting Earth.
Because of these challenges, space agencies aim to select individuals who demonstrate exceptional discipline, resilience, and reliability.
Could the Rule Change in the Future?
Attitudes toward tattoos have changed dramatically around the world over the past few decades. Today, tattoos are widely accepted in many professions, including the military, aviation, and scientific fields.
For this reason, some experts believe that traditional views within the Russian space program may eventually evolve as well.
As new generations of engineers, scientists, and pilots apply to join the cosmonaut corps, the criteria used during selection could gradually adapt to modern cultural norms.
A Reminder of Space Program Traditions
The story about tattoos and cosmonauts highlights how historical traditions can continue to influence modern space programs. While the rule may seem unusual today, it reflects the strict culture and mindset that shaped early space exploration.
Ultimately, becoming a cosmonaut requires far more than meeting appearance standards. It demands exceptional intelligence, physical fitness, psychological strength, and years of dedication.
And while a small tattoo might raise eyebrows during the selection process, the real challenge of reaching space lies in mastering one of the most demanding professions on Earth. 🚀