He was selected for cosmonaut training in 1967.

In 1969 he was a senior cosmonaut instructor, and became (by 1972) the Chief of cosmonaut training.

In 1966, he was selected for cosmonaut training.

In 1962, he applied and was accepted for cosmonaut training.

His basic cosmonaut training was from December 1987 through to July 1989.

After graduating as an air force pilot, he was selected for cosmonaut training in 1960.

As a result, he was out of cosmonaut training until 30 August 1962.

He recovered and was able to continue cosmonaut training and graduated 18 August 1969.

As a result of the injuries and recovery, he did not complete his cosmonaut training until 24 February 1982.

They raised no objection when he told them he had been accepted for cosmonaut training and would be leaving Volgograd.