On October 30, 1957, Aleksandr Ivanovich Lazutkin was born in Moscow. He pursued a professional trajectory in aerospace engineering, eventually transitioning into the role of a cosmonaut. His career represents the intersection of mechanical expertise and space exploration, primarily defined by his tenure aboard the Mir space station during a critical period of operational difficulty.
Education and Selection
Lazutkin enrolled at the Moscow Aviation Institute, where he focused his studies on mechanical engineering. This academic foundation served as the prerequisite for his technical career path. His formal transition into the aerospace sector occurred on March 3, 1992, when he was officially selected to join the cosmonaut program.
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His primary spaceflight experience involved the Soyuz TM-25 mission, during which he functioned as a flight engineer. While stationed on the Mir Space Station, he participated in efforts to manage the aftermath of a collision with the uncrewed Progress M34 supply craft, piloted by Vasily Tsibliyev. This event resulted in the decompression of the cabin and the loss of electrical power due to damage to the Spektr module's solar arrays.
Crisis Management
During the 1997 station emergency, Lazutkin and colleague Michael Foale executed procedures to isolate the damaged module. Lazutkin employed a dinner knife to sever electrical cables connecting the station to the compromised Spektr module, an action that facilitated the sealing of the hatches. Following these repairs, he and Tsibliyev worked to restore the station's functionality while the crew utilized the Soyuz-TM escape pod during specific maneuvers.
Professional Recognition
The Russian state acknowledged his contributions to space exploration through several honors. He received the title of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation in 1998 and was named a Hero of the Russian Federation. Additionally, he was awarded the Medal For Merit in Space Exploration and the NASA Space Flight Medal.
Fast facts
- Born: 1957, Moscow
- Education: Moscow Aviation Institute
- Selected as Cosmonaut: 3 March 1992
- Spaceflight: Soyuz TM-25
- Awards: Hero of the Russian Federation
- Awards: Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation (1998)
- Awards: NASA Space Flight Medal
- Languages: Russian
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the 1997 Progress M34 collision?
It caused the Mir station to lose solar alignment, suffer power loss, and experience cabin decompression.
How did Lazutkin help secure the station?
He used a knife to cut cables connecting the station to the damaged Spektr module, allowing the crew to seal off the area.
Achievements
- Educated at Moscow Aviation Institute
- Worked as engineer, astronaut and flight engineer
