It took Fyodor Yurchikhin over a decade to pass the medical tests and qualify for a space mission. He was over 40 when he first left Earth. RT looks at the amazing story of his life between domestic bliss and the stars.

Yurchikhin served as a senior engineer in Russia’s space program, but his dream was always to go into space himself. But for 11 long years, doctors would not certify him for a mission, telling him at one point that he would never make it.

Finally, at the age of 38, he was selected as a candidate, and went to the International Space Station three months shy of turning 44. He liked it so much that he went on four more missions. Now, at 59, he’s not sure he’s had enough yet.

RT’s documentary about Yurchikhin traces his remarkable path to the stars and how he had to balance his passion with his love for his family, which he calls “my little great Chinese wall.”

Watch the full episode:

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