Is it true that in Russia cosmonauts are not allowed to have tattoos?

Users of social networks and the media in the summer of 2021 discussed the ban imposed on Russians wishing to go into space. We checked whether they really shouldn't get tattoos.

At the end of July 2021 on the Editorial YouTube channel it turned out interview with Alexander Khokhlov, presented in the description under the video as “one of the main popularizers of astronautics in Russia.” Journalist Alexey Pivovarov, in particular, asked his interlocutor the question: “Is it true that Russians with tattoos will not be able to qualify for the cosmonaut corps?” Khokhlov replied: “Until now, yes, since the selection requirements signed by the Minister of Health and the Minister of Defense prohibit tattoos, since it is considered a hidden psychiatric disorder.” The expert added that this is due to outdated documentation that requires revision. Khokhlov’s words were later retold by radio "Komsomolskaya Pravda" and magazine "Companion". The editorial release and this particular fact were discussed on social networks, for example in "VKontakte" and in Twitter.

Khokhlov has been talking about space and astronauts for many years on a variety of platforms. In particular, until recently he led program on radio "Echo of Petersburg", gave comments for "Vesti" and programs "Time", answered questions from newspaper readers "Fontanka" And wrote materials for several major publications. Khokhlov gave lectures in Great Novosibirsk Planetarium, St. Petersburg exhibition center "Manege", on TEDx at the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and many other sites. In addition, Khokhlov himself participated in the selection for the cosmonaut corps, but did not pass due to health reasons.

Although there are no serious doubts about the expert’s competence, the document named by Khokhlov could serve as formal confirmation of his words. Apparently, we are talking about a joint order of the Minister of Defense and the Minister of Health “On approval of the Regulations on medical examination and monitoring of the health status of astronaut candidates, cosmonauts and cosmonaut instructors” dated January 9, 2001. Although this legal act mentioned in several later space-related documents we could not find it in the public domain. The lawyers we interviewed suggested that the order of the two ministers was not officially published, probably for reasons of secrecy. The requirements for candidates are summarized in the document, published on the website of the Cosmonaut Training Center named after. Gagarin. The list of requirements does not say anything about tattoos.

At the same time, Russian cosmonauts have spoken about the ban on having tattoos on their bodies before. For example, in 2015 Oleg Artemyev reported to the Moscow 24 publication: “I know that many guys were not hired because of tattoos.” Note that the opinion about the connection between tattoos and mental health is also widespread among participants in a much less exclusive selection process - conscripts into the Armed Forces. Although the Bar Association "Draft" reportsthat exemption from conscription due to tattoos has no legal basis; in practice, things are sometimes different. So, in 2019, the military registration and enlistment office in Bashkiria refused to draft rapper Face into the army - in particular, because of the tattoos on his face. As the chairman of the military medical commission explained, “such tattoos are already a sign of mental disorder.”

By the way, abroad they are more accepting of tattoos on the bodies of astronauts. For example, a small tattoo was on the arm of American Pete Conrad, who in 1969 became the third person to set foot on the surface of the Moon. German Alexander Gerst, who flew into space twice and a total of carried out in orbit for almost a year, has shoulder tattoo.

Thus, the verifiable statement was made by an expert who participated in the selection of cosmonauts - the rules for passing this competition, approved by the Ministry of Defense, are known to him firsthand. This information is confirmed by astronauts who have been in orbit. The belief about the connection between tattoos and mental health exists among at least some military registration and enlistment office employees - one can assume that this opinion emerged from the same outdated rules that Khokhlov spoke about. Although it was not possible to find a document in the public domain that would confirm the fact of interest to us, there is no reason to have serious doubts about the veracity of the statements.

Cover photo: Roscosmos State Corporation

Most likely true

What do our verdicts mean?

Read on the topic:

1. Editorial. Where is Russian Elon Musk and why won’t they be hired as an astronaut with a tattoo?
2. Moscow 24. How cosmonauts are trained: Oleg Artemyev about exams, food on the ISS and tattoos