Three separate orbital missions define the career of Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Volkov, a pilot who transitioned from Soviet test flying to long-duration space residency. His professional trajectory spans the final decades of the Soviet space programme and the subsequent transition to Russian operations, marked by significant time spent aboard both the Salyut 7 and Mir space stations.
Early Career and Training
Born in 1948 in Horlivka, Volkov pursued a career as an aircraft pilot and test pilot. His entry into the Soviet space programme followed years of rigorous aviation experience. During his tenure, he rose to the military rank of colonel and eventually served as the Commander of the Cosmonaut Team at the Cosmonaut Training Centre between January 1991 and August 1998, where he oversaw the preparation of international crews for missions to Mir and the International Space Station.
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Volkov completed his first mission to the Salyut 7 station in 1985, spending 64 days in orbit. He later undertook two extensive residencies on the Mir space station. The first, spanning 1988 to 1989, lasted 151 days. His final mission occurred in 1991 to 1992, during which he served as the commander of the Soyuz TM-13 flight, accumulating 175 days in space and managing complex docking procedures.
Geopolitical Transition
The operational duration of his 1991–1992 mission coincided with the dissolution of the Soviet Union. As he orbited the Earth, the geopolitical status of his home state shifted, resulting in a unique transition where he commenced his flight as a citizen of the Soviet Union and concluded the mission as a citizen of Russia.
Legacy and Distinctions
Volkov holds numerous state honors, including the Order of Lenin and the Order of the October Revolution. His contributions were also recognized with the Order of Friendship of Peoples in 1992 and the Medal for Merit in Space Exploration in 2011. Beyond his professional duties, he is an amateur radio operator utilizing the callsign U4MIR.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, Horlivka
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Spaceflight Missions: 3
- Primary Occupations: Cosmonaut, test pilot, aircraft pilot
- Notable Role: Commander of the Cosmonaut Team (1991-1998)
- Amateur Radio Callsign: U4MIR
Questions readers ask
Did Aleksandr Volkov participate in missions to the International Space Station?
He did not fly to the ISS; however, he trained crews for future missions to the station while serving as the Commander of the Cosmonaut Team.
What was the duration of his longest space mission?
His longest mission was the 1991-1992 flight aboard the Mir space station, which lasted 175 days.
Achievements
- Commander of the Legion of Honour
- Worked as aircraft pilot, astronaut and test pilot
