Aleksandr Pavlovich Aleksandrov spent a total of 309 days, 18 hours, and 2 minutes in space during his career as a Soviet cosmonaut. Born in Moscow in 1943, he transitioned from a military and technical education to become a central figure in the Soviet space program, specializing in the complexities of spacecraft steering systems.
Technical Education and Early Career
Aleksandrov began his academic training at the Serpukhov Military Institute of Missile Forces, where he studied from 1960 to 1963. He continued his education at the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, eventually earning a Doctor in Engineering degree. His professional career commenced in 1964 when he joined the S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, an organization that remained central to his long-term involvement in aerospace technology.
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Selected as a cosmonaut on December 1, 1978, Aleksandrov underwent years of preparation, serving as a backup crew member for the Soyuz T-8, Soyuz T-13, and Soyuz T-15 missions. His first operational spaceflight occurred in 1983 as a flight engineer aboard Soyuz T-9, a mission spanning from June to November. He returned to orbit in July 1987, launching aboard Soyuz TM-3 to replace a long-duration crew member on the Mir EO-2 station, and returned to Earth in December 1987.
Leadership and Administrative Roles
Following his active service as a cosmonaut, Aleksandrov moved into senior administrative and directorial positions within the industry. He resigned from the cosmonaut team on October 26, 1993, to assume the position of chief of the NPOE cosmonaut group. By 1996, he was appointed as the chief of the flight test directorate for RKK Energia, overseeing the testing and evaluation of space systems.
Formal Recognition and Awards
The state acknowledged his contributions through various high-level honors. He was named a Hero of the Soviet Union twice, first on November 23, 1983, and again on December 29, 1987. His other awards include two Orders of Lenin, the State Prize of the Ukrainian SSR in Science and Technology, and the Medal for Merit in Space Exploration, which he received in 2011.
Fast facts
- Born: 1943, Moscow
- Citizenship: Soviet Union
- Selected as Cosmonaut: 1 December 1978
- Total Space Duration: 309 days, 18 hours, 2 minutes
- Academic Degree: Doctor in Engineering
- Employer: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- Hero of the Soviet Union: 1983 and 1987
Questions readers ask
What was Aleksandrov's primary engineering specialty?
He specialized in the development and implementation of spacecraft steering systems.
Did he continue working in the aerospace industry after his flight missions?
Yes, he held executive positions, including chief of the NPOE cosmonaut group and chief of the flight test directorate at RKK Energia.
Achievements
- Affiliated with S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- Educated at Bauman Moscow State Technical University and Serpukhov Military Institute of Missile Forces
- Worked as engineer and astronaut
