Picture of Octopus Astronaut

Biography

Maiya Romanovna Mouravyova, born May 7, 1973 in Moscow, Russia, was an astronaut and pioneer of space exploration. She has spent most of her life exploring the outer reaches of space and discovering uncharted worlds.


After graduating in space engineering from the Technical University of the Russian Space Center, she joined the Russian spaceflight program in 1997. As a crew member, she took part in the first manned flights to Mars and Saturn. She quickly became famous for her daring exploits and her passion for space exploration.


In 2003, she was chosen by NASA to participate in a mission to reach the known limits of our solar system. After more than three years in space, Maiya returned to Earth in 2006 with a wealth of scientific loot that she brought back with her: invaluable data on the outer planets and their natural satellites that enabled Earth scientists to learn much more about our fascinating universe.


Unfortunately, Maiya could not enjoy the fruits of her research for long as she tragically died on May 11, 2007 following an accident involving her spacecraft while attempting a daring new interstellar mission. Her untimely death is still mourned by those who remember the courage she displayed throughout her career as an intrepid space explorer.