The re-entry of Soyuz 5 remains a defining moment in Soviet aerospace history, as the capsule tumbled through the atmosphere with its equipment module attached due to failed explosive bolts. Boris Volynov, one of the original Soviet cosmonauts, survived this harrowing descent to the ground, marking a transition point in the intense technical development of early manned space flight.
Early Career and Training
Born in 1934 in Irkutsk, Volynov completed his secondary education in Prokopyevsk before pursuing military aviation. He graduated from the Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots in 1955. Following his selection into the first group of Soviet cosmonauts, he advanced his academic credentials at the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy between 1961 and 1968, where he eventually earned a PhD in 1980.
Navigating the Voskhod Program
Volynov encountered multiple administrative hurdles during the Voskhod program. He trained for the 1964 Voskhod 1 mission as part of the prime crew, only to be removed three days before the scheduled launch. Subsequently, he prepared for the planned Voskhod 3 mission, which was ultimately cancelled in 1966 by Vasily Mishin to prioritize the development of the Soyuz spacecraft.
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Launched on January 15, 1969, Soyuz 5 involved a docking and transfer operation with Soyuz 4. During his solo re-entry, Volynov experienced a catastrophic malfunction when the equipment module failed to separate. The resulting instability caused the craft to tumble until the heat shield struts finally burned through. Upon landing, a failure of the retrorockets led to an impact that resulted in broken teeth.
Salyut 5 and Command
In 1976, Volynov commanded the Soyuz 21 mission to the Salyut 5 space station. During this expedition, his flight engineer Vitaliy Zholobov fell ill, forcing an early return to Earth. The undocking procedure proved difficult due to a jammed mechanism, requiring an emergency sequence to disengage. The mission concluded with a hard landing in Kazakhstan on August 24, 1976.
Later Years and Administration
After transitioning out of active flight operations in 1982, Volynov dedicated eight years to administrative service at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City. He maintained his military career until 1990, when he retired from the service with the rank of colonel. Throughout his life, he has received numerous distinctions, including being named a Hero of the Soviet Union twice.
Fast facts
- Born: 1934, Irkutsk
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Key Missions: Soyuz 5, Soyuz 21
- Education: Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy
- Awards: Hero of the Soviet Union (1969, 1976)
- Final Service: Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre
Questions readers ask
Was Boris Volynov the first Jewish person to enter space?
Yes, he is widely recognized as the first Jewish person to fly in space.
Why was the Soyuz 21 mission cut short?
The mission ended prematurely due to the declining health of flight engineer Vitaliy Zholobov, which was attributed to potential nitric acid fumes or severe sleep deprivation.
Achievements
- Educated at Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots and Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy
- Worked as aircraft pilot, astronaut and engineer
