Vietnam's first cosmonaut, who flew aboard the Soviet spacecraft Salyut 7 in 1980, conducting scientific experiments and making history as the first Asian in space.
Phm Tun, a retired Vietnamese Air Force Fighter pilot and cosmonaut, made history by becoming the first Vietnamese and Asian person to venture into space. On July 23, 1980, he launched aboard the Soyuz 37 mission as an Interkosmos research cosmonaut, cementing his place in the annals of space exploration.
Born on February 14, 1947, in Kin Xng, Thi Bnh province, northern Vietnam, Phm Tun's fascination with the skies led him to join the Vietnam People's Air Force (VPAF) in 1965. Initially trained as a radar mechanic, he was later selected for pilot training as a commissioned officer. Tun graduated from the Krasnodar Flight School in the Soviet Union as a MiG-17 pilot in 1967.
Tun's exceptional skills and dedication propelled him through the ranks, earning him assignments with the VPAF's 910th Air Training Regiment (1968-1969), 923rd Fighter Regiment (1969-1970), and 921st Fighter Regiment (1970-1973). During this period, he developed nighttime interception techniques against U.S. air raids, showcasing his bravery and tactical prowess.
On the nights of December 18-27, 1972, during Operation Linebacker II, Phm Tun engaged USAF Strategic Air Command (SAC) B-52 Stratofortress heavy bombers multiple times. On December 27, he successfully downed a B-52D, a feat disputed by U.S. records, which attribute the loss to a surface-to-air missile. This remarkable achievement earned him the prestigious title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
In 1980, Phm Tun was selected as an Interkosmos research cosmonaut, embarking on the Soyuz 37 mission. This pioneering effort marked a significant milestone in Vietnamese space exploration, solidifying his position as a trailblazer in the field.
Phm Tun's remarkable achievements have inspired generations of Vietnamese and international citizens alike. His bravery, skill, and determination have left an indelible mark on the annals of space exploration and military history.
Phm Tun's extraordinary journey serves as a testament to human ingenuity, perseverance, and the boundless potential of the human spirit. As we continue to explore the vast expanse of space, his legacy will forever inspire and motivate future generations of astronauts, cosmonauts, and space enthusiasts worldwide.
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