Cosmonaut Photos: More Russian Kamchatka Volcanoes | International Space Station
These images were shared by Expedition 74 Station Commander and Cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov of Russia aboard the International Space Station:"Kamchatka's volcanoes are so numerous and diverse that you should read about them in books . . . or better yet, go see them with your own eyes."
"If the view of volcanoes from space impresses you, rest assured, they will be just as impressive on Earth!"
These photos include: "one of the most active volcanic places on Earth–Klyuchevskoy Nature Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site."
"There are 13 volcanoes here, four are active. Volcanoes are like people—they have their own stories and their own characteristics.
🏔Klyuchevskaya Sopka is the highest active volcano in Eurasia (~4,750 m). Here it is in the photo. The beautiful (and also young and very active, and therefore dangerous) cone is in the upper right corner. Always recognizable, even from space.
🏔Nameless—became famous for its unexpected, catastrophic eruption in 1956. Before that, it was considered dormant, but then, "bang!"—an explosive lateral eruption lowered the volcano by 200 meters, spewing ash several kilometers into the air, and simultaneously destroying forests over an area of several hundred square kilometers. The photo shows Klyuchevskaya Sopka's lower neighbor with a rough cut on its side.
🏔Tolbachik—a volcano consisting of two parts: Sharp and Flat. If you look at it in the lower left corner of the photo, its distinctive shape makes it clear why it was given these names. Tolbachik is unusual not only in appearance but also in behavior. Tolbachik's eruptions created a unique "lunar" relief—vast ash fields where lunar rovers' chassis were once tested. Now they have become a tourist attraction, allowing you to briefly feel like an astronaut on the Moon.
🏔Ushkovsky is an unusual giant to the left of Klyuchevskoy. This volcano is unlike the others in Kamchatka. It is the continent's largest shield volcano. It is permanently capped by a thick ice cap, yet it remains active.
🏔Shiveluch is a powerful, most active volcano. It is separated from the main group and located to the north. It erupts constantly and regularly makes the news due to ash clouds that threaten air travel.
There are other volcanoes in these photos—Zimina, Udina, Kamen, and Krestovsky . . . Volcanoes are not just beautiful cones and impressive eruptions. They are clear evidence that our planet is alive and active, and that enormous power lies hidden within its depths."
The Kamchatka Peninsula, the Commander Islands, and Karaginsky Island constitute Kamchatka Krai of the Russian Federation. The Kamchatka Peninsula contains the volcanoes of Kamchatka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that form part of the Ring of Fire.
Expedition 74 Crew
Station Commander: Sergey-Kud Sverchkov (Russia)
Roscosmos (Russia) Flight Engineers: Andrey Fedyaev, Sergei Mikaev
European Space Agency Flight Engineer: Sophie Adenot
NASA Flight Engineers: Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, Chris Williams
An international partnership of space agencies provides and operates the elements of the International Space Station (ISS). The principals are the space agencies of the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada.
Credit: Roscosmos/Sergey-Kud Sverchkov
Release Date: March 2, 2026
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