Following the successful launches of artificial Earth satellites and spacecraft carrying living organisms, scientists led by Sergey Korolev began tackling the challenge of manned spaceflight. In January 1959, the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR issued a decree on the medical selection of cosmonaut candidates, followed by another in May on preparing humans for space travel. Candidates for the first cosmonaut squad were chosen from pilots who met strict criteria: under 35 years old, no taller than 175 cm, weighing no more than 75 kg, and in excellent health. The selection process began in August 1959. Over 3,000 medical records were reviewed, and […]

It clearly indicates that very few vessels are willing to pass through the strait, and those that do manage to transit are doing so with their transponders switched off to avoid revealing the ship’s location. It is worth reiterating that a significant share of crude oil and petroleum products shipments from Middle Eastern countries passes through this strait. As a result, any reduction in shipping activity in this area immediately affects the global energy market.