Russian engineer and astronaut who flew on the Soyuz 11 mission, tragically dying in space due to a sudden cabin depressurization, making him a pioneer in space exploration's risks and sacrifices.
Vladislav Nikolayevich Volkov was a Soviet cosmonaut who made history by flying on the Soyuz 7 and Soyuz 11 missions, but tragically, his life was cut short in a fatal accident during reentry on the latter mission. Volkov, along with his crew members, Georgy Dobrovolsky and Viktor Patsayev, holds the unfortunate distinction of being the only three people to have died in outer space.
Volkov graduated from the Moscow Aviation Institute in 1959, equipped with a degree in aviation engineering. He worked at the Korolyov Design Bureau, where he played a crucial role in the development of the Vostok and Voskhod spacecraft. His expertise in spacecraft design and engineering soon led to his selection as a cosmonaut.
In 1969, Volkov flew aboard Soyuz 7, marking his first space mission. This achievement earned him his first Hero of the Soviet Union award on October 22, 1969. The Soyuz 7 mission was a significant milestone in the Soviet space program, demonstrating the country's capability to launch multiple crewed spacecraft into orbit.
On June 6, 1971, Volkov embarked on his second space mission, Soyuz 11, alongside Georgy Dobrovolsky and Viktor Patsayev. The crew spent 23 days on Salyut 1, the world's first space station, conducting scientific experiments and pushing the boundaries of space exploration. However, their triumphant mission was marred by tragedy when the Soyuz 11 capsule suffered a sudden decompression during reentry, asphyxiating the entire crew.
Volkov was posthumously awarded his second Hero of the Soviet Union award on June 30, 1971. He also received two Orders of Lenin and the title of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR. As a testament to his legacy, the lunar crater Volkov and the minor planet 1790 Volkov were named in his honor. A street in Moscow and the Yeniseyles Soviet research-survey ship, renamed Kosmonavt Vladislav Volkov, serve as reminders of his contributions to space exploration.
Volkov's sacrifice has had a profound impact on the development of space safety measures and emergency procedures. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of cosmonauts, engineers, and scientists, reminding them of the importance of meticulous attention to detail and the pursuit of excellence in space exploration.
92 Years Old
The first human to journey into outer space, paving the way for space exploration and inspiring generations to reach for the stars. A hero and a pioneer in the field of cosmonautics.
Born in 1907
A pioneering rocket engineer and designer who played a crucial role in the Soviet space program, developing the R-7 rocket that launched Sputnik and sent humans into space.
92 Years Old
A Soviet spaceman who became the first human to walk in space during the 1965 Voskhod 2 mission, paving the way for future space exploration.
97 Years Old
A Soviet space pioneer who flew on the Vostok 3 mission in 1962, becoming the third person in space and setting a record for the longest solo spaceflight at the time.
Born in 1925
A Soviet hero who flew in space and fought in World War II, known for being the first to command a multi-person spaceflight and receiving the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
89 Years Old
First woman in space, completing 48 orbits of the Earth in 1963, paving the way for future female astronauts.
91 Years Old
A highly decorated Russian military pilot and cosmonaut who flew on several space missions, including a record-breaking 365-day stay on the Mir space station. He's a hero in Russia, celebrated for his bravery and endurance.
99 Years Old
A Soviet cosmonaut who became the first human to journey into outer space twice, and tragically, the first to die during a spaceflight mission. He's known for his bravery and sacrifice in the pursuit of space exploration.
