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Muhammed FarisCosmonaut-researcher
Date of Birth: 26.05.1951
Country:  Turkey |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Education
- Cosmonaut Selection and Training
- Cosmic Flight
- Return to Syria and Career
- Political Activism
- Accusations and Political Appointments
- Later Years and Legacy
- Awards and Honors
- Family
Early Life and Military Education
Mohammad Faris was born into a family involved in the textile industry. From 1969 to 1973, he studied at the Syrian Air Force Academy near Aleppo.
Cosmonaut Selection and Training
In 1985, Faris was selected as a cosmonaut candidate and sent to the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia. He joined the prime crew for the Soyuz TM-2 mission to the Mir space station.
Cosmic Flight
From July 22 to 30, 1987, Faris embarked on a historic spaceflight aboard the Soyuz TM-3. During the mission, he conducted scientific experiments in space medicine and materials science and captured images of Syria from orbit.
Return to Syria and Career
After his spaceflight, Faris returned to Syria and continued his career in the Air Force. He led the Military Pilot Training Institute in Aleppo for eight years and later served as a director in Damascus.
Political Activism
In 2012, Faris fled to Turkey and joined the Syrian opposition, supporting the Free Syrian Army against President Bashar al-Assad's regime. He became involved in the left-wing opposition group, the National Coordination Committee for Democratic Change.
Accusations and Political Appointments
In 2016, Faris accused Russia and Vladimir Putin of killing thousands of Syrian civilians. In 2017, he was appointed Defense Minister in the Syrian Interim Government, an opposition cabinet in exile.
Later Years and Legacy
Faris passed away in 2024 at the age of 72. He is remembered as the first and only Syrian cosmonaut, a pioneer in international space cooperation, and a prominent figure in the Syrian opposition.
Awards and Honors
Faris received the title Hero of the Soviet Union, the Order of Lenin, and the Medal "Golden Star" for his spaceflight. He was also awarded the Russian Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration" in 2011.
Family
Faris was married to Hind Akil and had three children: Hadil, Qutayba, and Mir, named after the Soviet space station.
