Taking into account the probability of forced emergency landings, cosmonauts are trained for their actions at the forced landing site in various climatic and geographical zones.
The major tasks of survival training are:
To psychologically prepare cosmonauts for actions in case of their possible stay outside the nominal landing site within 2-3 days after off-nominal landing under extreme environmental stress of different climatic and geographical areas;
To work out practical skills of the crew on maintaining work capacity and preserving their lives during their independent (autonomous) stay in difficult physical-geographic conditions with rational use of the descent capsule equipment, portable emergency kit, regular harness, improvised materials on the terrain;
To master skillful interaction of the crewmembers with the search- and rescue complex.
The above tasks are reached by theoretical and practical sessions in actual conditions of different climatic and geographical areas.
The training consists of a preliminary training, direct training and independent (autonomous) integrated training.
Preliminary training is carried out at the Yu. Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center and includes theoretical and practical training with cosmonauts on survival methods and technique in extreme conditions at the off-nominal landing (splashdown) site; clarification of the tasks and preparation of special survival-related means.
Direct training is carried out in the particular climatic and geographical region (on the ship's deck) and its task is to familiarize trainees with conditions of independent (autonomous) integrated training and to gain the first-hand experience of the most complex aspects of training (practical handling and firing of the TP-82 (ро-82) pistol, light and signaling flares launch etc.).
The independent (autonomous) integrated training is carried out in a separate uninhabited region of a certain climatic and geographical area according to the preset cyclogram of the training.
Specialized trainers and simulators, such as full-scale mock-ups of the descent capsule, regular equipment and harness, portable emergency kits, descent capsule landing system's parachute, improvised materials on terrain are used in the course of training.
Airplanes, helicopters, special vessels and boats, trucks are used for organization of the training process and provision of its safety.
One can use some other means and facilities, depending on the specificities of the climatic and geographical area (tundra, mountain, sea etc.) and cosmonauts safety requirements.
Medical support is a "must" in the process of training and includes:
Certification of astronauts and specialists (instructors) who will participate in the training and acquiring "Go" conclusion for training under extreme conditions;
Cosmonauts health status monitoring in the course of training;
Organization of a mobile medical station, which is equipped with the first aid means.
Cosmonauts training on their actions at extreme landing site is an integral part of a general system of manned space flight safety provision. In addition, training under extreme conditions is a powerful means of a cosmonaut's professional and mental training.
