Strekalov performing maintenance on Core module control panel

NM18-302-025 (March-July 1995) --- Onboard Mir's base block module cosmonaut Gennadiy M. Strekalov, flight engineer, prepares to check the air quality control and the propulsion system of the station. Strekalov told reporters at a July 18 press conference in Houston that even though he tried not to awaken astronaut Norman E. Thagard, who was asleep nearby, he was unable to keep from disturbing the cosmonaut researcher. He went on to point out that Thagard was always very cooperative and tolerant of such interruptions.