He will make short-term flights. The third place in Soyuz was canceled by Roscosmos earlier.

      Now Roscosmos pointed out that places in Soyuz should be occupied rationally and it is most appropriate to give it to an astronaut who has not made space flights yet. It will become good practical experience to use his knowledge, even though the first space flight in his life will be short.

      Roscosmos reported earlier that the Russian crew of the ISS would be reduced to two people from March of the next year. Restriction will last until the new multi-purpose laboratory module Science is introduced. Once it is put into operation the Roscosmos will restore the former number of the Russian crew.