Why interesting? Any NASA astronaut who goes to space currently has to work with Russians on the ISS, and gets there via a Russian launch vehicle. Basic knowledge of the language is a must, if for nothing other than "don't press the button labeled 'self-destruct' in Russian".

Oh, sure. I didn't realized that at first. It must be my programmer brain telling me "English is the one global language" all the time.

(note: I'm not an English native speaker)

It is, until it isn't. I wonder how long would English last as the lingua franca of the west if the USA focused inward like Canada.

As soon as I read that part, I wanted to apply. I am as much as an American as it gets: some of my ancestors fought in the Revolutionary and American Civil wars. But I speak Russian fluently and I've been living in Siberia for a few years. As soon as I read that, I realized that I would instantly be "best buds" with the Russian astronauts on the ISS because I don't just speak their language: I also (kind of) understand their culture.

Unfortunately, I don't have any experience flying jet aircraft. So the challenge is meant for someone else...