In 1980 she graduated from the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, where she specialized in production of aircraft.

[4] Kondakova's parents both worked at Energia, and her father was concerned about her taking on role as cosmonaut because he was well aware of the dangers involved.

During her first excursion into space, her husband Valery would often complain about how he desired a more traditional wife who would take care of the home and family.

[3] In August 1996, Kondakova trained at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, United States.

Kondakova retired from the cosmonaut corps of RSC Energia on 30 December 1999 due to her election as a deputy of the State Duma.