Aydyn Aimbetov became the first cosmonaut to represent the independent nation of Kazakhstan during his flight on the Soyuz TMA-18M mission in 2015. Born in 1972 at Otenai, he established his career as a military pilot before joining the national space program, eventually advancing to leadership roles within the Kazakh space industry and state corporations.
Military Foundation and Early Training
Aimbetov graduated from the Kutakhov Armavir Higher Military Aviation School. His early career involved service at Lugovaya and Taldykorgan, where he operated MiG-27 and Su-27 fighter aircraft. Following his military service, he was selected in 2002 as one of the first Kazakh cosmonaut candidates from a pool of 2,000 applicants. Between 2003 and 2009, he completed extensive training at Star City in Russia.
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After a planned 2009 mission was cancelled due to global financial conditions, Aimbetov continued his work with the National Space Agency of Kazakhstan. He contributed to the domestic industry by founding the Institute for Space Development and the Young Cosmonauts School in the Astana Pupil's Palace. In June 2015, he replaced Sarah Brightman on the Soyuz TMA-18M mission. He launched from Baikonur on 2 September 2015 alongside Sergey Volkov and Andreas Mogensen. The mission lasted 10 days, concluding on 11 September 2015 with a landing on the Kazakhstan Steppe.
Executive Leadership
Upon transitioning from active flight duties, Aimbetov assumed various executive positions within the aerospace sector. From 2016 to 2019, he served as the Vice President for the creation and operation of space systems at JSC NC Kazakhstan Garysh Sapary. In September 2021, he became the Chairman of the Board for the same organization. By March 2024, he took over the role of Chairman of the Board of the JSC Kazakh-Russian Joint Venture Baiterek.
Fast facts
- Born: 1972, Otenai
- Military Rank: Major General
- Education: Star City
- Spacecraft: Soyuz TMA-18M
- Key Award: Hero of the Kazakhstan
- Language: Kazakh
- Positions held: Colonel
- Nationality: Kazakhstan
Questions readers ask
Was Aydyn Aimbetov the first person from Kazakhstan to fly in space?
No, Toktar Aubakirov was the first, flying in 1991. Aimbetov was the first to fly as a national of independent Kazakhstan.
What is his current occupation?
He currently holds the position of Chairman of the Board of the JSC Kazakh-Russian Joint Venture Baiterek.
Achievements
- Educated at Star City
- Worked as astronaut
