March 04

Prince Henry of Portugal (1394–1460), known as Henry the Navigator, never sailed on his sponsored expeditions but shaped them. He established a navigation school at Sagres, gathering experts in cartography, astronomy, and ship design. Under his patronage, Portuguese expeditions reached the Azores and pushed southward along the West African coast. His support laid the groundwork for discovering new maritime routes and eventual sea passages to Asia. Henry's vision and funding accelerated the Age of Discovery, making Portugal a leader in exploration. His legacy endures in maps and maritime techniques that transformed global trade and cultural exchange.

Yuri Senkevich (1937–2003) was a Russian physician and explorer who gained fame through his adventurous expeditions to remote areas of the world. He served as the ship's doctor on various scientific missions, including journeys to the Arctic, Antarctic, and high seas. Senkevich hosted a long-running travel documentary series, introducing Soviet audiences to diverse cultures and landscapes. He participated in numerous research expeditions that combined medical knowledge with field exploration. Senkevich authored several books on his travels and scientific findings. His charismatic storytelling and pioneering spirit left a lasting impact on Russian exploration.

Lonchakov began his career as a military pilot before being selected as a cosmonaut in the late 1990s. He participated in missions to Mir and the International Space Station, where he conducted experiments and maintenance tasks. During his time in orbit, he performed spacewalks and contributed to international scientific research. He logged several months in space across different expeditions, reflecting his dedication to exploration. After retiring from active flight, Lonchakov took on leadership roles within the Russian space program, mentoring the next generation of cosmonauts.