In fact, only those people who undergo daily medical checkups and are considered absolutely healthy are allowed in close contact with the cosmonauts before a mission. Another tradition came next. The three men posed for a picture with their guests and then signed the doors of their rooms. Having talked to the press, the crew picked up their box-like individual cooling systems and went out of the building. There at the small lot right in front of the building, they reported to the chairman of the State Commission on their readiness to fly in a brief but poignant ceremony.
Modern cosmonauts repeat the action as a token of good luck.
Space News Moscow reporter Simon Saradzhyan contributed to this report. Turning Europa's Frozen Surface into a Colony.