Soyuz 38 launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on 18 September 1980, carrying Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez into Earth orbit. By completing this mission, the Cuban pilot became the first person from a nation in the Western Hemisphere besides the United States, and the first individual of African descent, to reach space.
Early Development and Military Training
Born in 1942 in Guantánamo, Tamayo Méndez was orphaned as an infant and adopted by Rafael Tamayo and Esperanza Méndez at age one. During his youth, he worked as a shoeshine, vegetable vendor, and carpenter's assistant. Following his participation in protest activities against the Batista regime with the Association of Young Rebels and the Revolutionary Work Youth Brigades, he pursued a career in aviation. He entered the Technical Institute Rebel Army in 1960 and traveled to the Soviet Union for training at the Yeysk Higher Air Force School, where he qualified as a combat pilot on MiG-15 aircraft in 1962.
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During the Cuban Missile Crisis, Tamayo Méndez flew 20 reconnaissance missions as a member of the Playa Girón Brigade. He joined the Communist Party of Cuba in 1967 and completed service in the Vietnam War between 1967 and 1969. His education continued at the Maximo Gomez Basic College of the Revolutionary Forces. In 1975, he became Chief of Staff of the Santa Clara Aviation Brigade, earning a promotion to lieutenant colonel shortly thereafter. In 1978, he entered the Intercosmos program and relocated to Star City, Russia, for cosmonaut training.
The Soyuz 38 Mission
Selected for the seventh Intercosmos program, Tamayo Méndez trained for two and a half years before launching alongside Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Romanenko. After docking with Salyut 6, the crew completed 124 orbits over seven days, 20 hours, and 43 minutes. Their primary research focused on space adaptation syndrome and the crystallization of sucrose in microgravity to support the Cuban sugar industry. The pair executed a risky night landing 180 km from Dzhezkazgan upon their return to Earth.
Political Career and Honors
Following his spaceflight, Tamayo Méndez directed the Sociedad de Educación Patriótico-Militar and served as Director of International Affairs in the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, eventually rising to the rank of brigadier general. Since 1980, he has represented Guantánamo Province as a deputy in the Cuban National Assembly. His recognitions include the Hero of the Republic of Cuba, Hero of the Soviet Union, the Order of Lenin, the Order of Friendship, the Order of Playa Girón, and the Medal for Merit in Space Exploration.
Fast facts
- Born: 1942, Guantánamo
- Spaceflight: Soyuz 38, 1980
- Military Rank: Brigadier General
- Awards: Hero of the Soviet Union (1980)
- Awards: Hero of the Republic of Cuba (1980)
- Political Role: Deputy in the Cuban National Assembly
- Career: Cosmonaut, pilot, and military officer
Questions readers ask
Was Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez the first Latin American in space?
Yes, he was the first Latin American and the first person of African descent to travel into Earth orbit.
What specific research did he conduct while in orbit?
He studied the causes of space adaptation syndrome and examined the crystallization of sucrose in microgravity conditions.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Force
- Worked as cosmonaut, aircraft pilot and military personnel
