Soyuz 17 and Soyuz 28 marked the two space flights completed by Aleksei Gubarev during his service as a Soviet cosmonaut. Born in 1931 in Gvardeytsy village, he navigated a career spanning military aviation, orbital exploration, and administrative leadership. His contributions to astronautics were recognized through multiple state honors granted by both the Soviet Union and foreign nations.
Early Career and Training
Gubarev graduated from the Soviet Naval Aviation School in 1952 before entering the Soviet Air Force. He sought further technical development by enrolling at the Gagarin Air Force Academy. His transition into the space programme followed this military foundation, where he initially prepared for the Soviet lunar programme and military Soyuz missions before moving toward Salyut station operations.
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In 1971, Gubarev served as the backup commander for the Soyuz 11 mission, which resulted in the loss of the crew due to depressurization. He later commanded successful missions including Soyuz 17. In 1978, he commanded Soyuz 28, the inaugural Interkosmos flight. This mission featured the inclusion of Vladimír Remek, representing Czechoslovakia, marking a significant milestone in international space collaboration.
Administrative and Academic Life
Following his active flight career, Gubarev resigned as a cosmonaut in 1981. He transitioned to an administrative role at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre. During the 1980s, he performed research duties at the 30th Central Scientific Research Institute under the Ministry of Defence of Russia. He also contributed to the literature of his field, publishing the book The Attraction of Weightlessness in 1982.
Recognition and Final Years
Gubarev held the rank of Air Force major general. His service garnered numerous accolades, including being named a Hero of the Soviet Union twice, in 1975 and 1978. He received the Gold Star medal for each of these titles. Foreign honors included being named a Hero of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic. He died in Moscow on 21 February 2015 and was interred at the Federal Military Memorial Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1931, Gvardeytsy village
- Died: 21 February 2015, Moscow
- Education: Gagarin Air Force Academy
- Space Missions: Soyuz 17, Soyuz 28
- Military Rank: Major general
- Notable Book: The Attraction of Weightlessness
- Primary Citizenship: Soviet Union; Russia
- Key Award: Hero of the Soviet Union (1975, 1978)
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the Soyuz 28 mission?
It was the first Interkosmos flight and included the first non-Soviet crew member, Vladimír Remek from Czechoslovakia.
What role did Gubarev hold after retiring from active space flight?
He worked in an administrative capacity at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre and later at the 30th Central Scientific Research Institute.
Achievements
- Educated at Gagarin Air Force Academy
- Worked as aircraft pilot, astronaut and writer
