The scientific-research vessel Kosmonavt Viktor Patsaev is the only in the world having space communication system and an exposition aboard. In 2001 the ship was moored at the museum quay. Probably that is why it was saved unlike the other vessels of the flotilla.

The SRV Kosmonavt Viktor Patsaev was a witness of the Soviet victories in the space exploration. It participated in creation of a nuclear-missile shield of the country and in testing of spacecrafts. After breakup of the Soviet Union and difficult economic situation in the 1990-s the fleet was dissolved.

The vessel was named after the astronaut Viktor Ivanovich Patsaev, Hero of the Soviet Union and our fellow-townsman. On November 24, 1978, a pennant of the USSR Academy of Sciences was raised. Till 1994 the vessel was a part of a measuring control complex aimed at sputnik and interplanetary stations control; receiving and processing of information and connection with astronauts. It was a floating measuring post in the waters of the World ocean. In order to do this work the vessel was equipped with a versatile telemetering system and special devices. Even nowadays the ship solves the 30-year tasks: it provides communication with the International space station.

Characteristics

Length – 121.8 m
Width – 16.7 m
Displacement – 6360 t
Draught – 6.6 m
Speed – 147 knots
Engine power – 5200 hp
Crew – 60 persons
Research staff – 77 persons