Aleksandr Ivanchenkov spent 147 days, 12 hours, and 37 minutes in space during his career as a Soviet flight engineer. Born in 1940 in Ivanteyevka, he transitioned from an academic background at the Moscow Aviation Institute to a long-term role within the S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, shaping his professional trajectory within the Soviet aerospace sector.
Early Career and Selection
After completing his education at the Moscow Aviation Institute, Ivanchenkov pursued a technical career path that led him to join the S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia. His transition into the space program became official on 27 March 1973, when he was formally selected as a cosmonaut. This appointment placed him at the center of Soviet space exploration efforts during the 1970s.
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Ivanchenkov participated in two major missions to orbiting space stations. His first flight occurred in 1978 aboard Soyuz 29, which docked with the Salyut 6 space station. This mission constituted the fifth trip to the station and served as the second long-duration assignment for the crew, during which he established a space endurance record of 139 days. He returned to flight in 1982 for the Soyuz T-6 mission, which arrived at the Salyut 7 space station alongside a crew that included French astronaut Jean-Loup Chrétien.
Recognition and Retirement
Throughout his service, Ivanchenkov received numerous accolades for his technical and exploratory work. He was twice named a Hero of the Soviet Union in 1978 and 1982, receiving the Gold Star medal during the latter year. His international and domestic honors include two Orders of Lenin, the Order of Karl Marx, and the French title of Commander of the Legion of Honour in 1982. He also earned the Medal For Merit in Space Exploration in 2011. Ivanchenkov officially retired from his duties on 3 November 1993.
Fast facts
- Born: 1940, Ivanteyevka
- Selected as Cosmonaut: 27 March 1973
- Retired: 3 November 1993
- Total Space Time: 147 days, 12 hours, 37 minutes
- Education: Moscow Aviation Institute
- Notable Employer: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- Major Awards: Twice Hero of the Soviet Union, Two Orders of Lenin
Questions readers ask
Which space stations did Aleksandr Ivanchenkov visit?
He visited the Salyut 6 station during his 1978 mission and the Salyut 7 station during his 1982 mission.
What was his primary role during his spaceflight missions?
He served as a flight engineer.
Achievements
- Commander of the Legion of Honour — 1982
- Affiliated with S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- Educated at Moscow Aviation Institute
- Worked as engineer, astronaut and writer
