Georgy Grechko was an engineer and cosmonaut who executed three distinct missions to the Salyut space stations. Born in 1931 in Saint Petersburg, he transitioned from designing spacecraft within the S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia to operating them in orbit. His career bridged the early Soviet efforts in lunar exploration and the expansion of long-duration spaceflight.
Engineering and Spaceflight
Grechko graduated from the Baltic State Technical University and joined the design bureau overseen by Sergei Korolev. Originally selected for the Soviet Moon programme, he shifted his focus to the Salyut orbital projects after the lunar initiative was cancelled. His primary role during missions involved flight engineering, testing maintenance procedures, and conducting scientific research in low Earth orbit.
Orbital Missions
His first flight occurred in 1975 aboard Soyuz 17, marking the first crewed arrival at the Salyut 4 space station. The mission lasted 30 days and involved atmospheric and solar observation. In 1977, he participated in the Soyuz 26 mission to Salyut 6, which included a duration record of 96 days. During this flight, he conducted the first spacewalk performed in an Orlan space suit. His final mission, Soyuz T-14, involved visiting the Salyut 7 station to support maintenance operations.
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After retiring from active spaceflight in 1992, Grechko focused on atmospheric physics research at the Russian Academy of Sciences. He authored his memoirs, titled Cosmonaut No. 34: From Splinter to Aliens, published in 2013. Additionally, he maintained a public presence through television presenting and film cameos, including roles in Under the Constellation Gemini and Per Aspera Ad Astra.
Legacy and Affiliations
In 1984, Grechko joined other cosmonauts and astronauts to co-found the Association of Space Explorers. His contributions to science and technology earned him multiple honors, including the Gold Star medal and the Order of Lenin. A minor planet, 3148 Grechko, discovered in 1979, was named in his recognition. He died in Moscow in 2017 and was buried at the Troyekurovskoye cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1931, Saint Petersburg
- Died: 2017, Moscow
- Education: Baltic State Technical University
- Primary Employer: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- Missions: Soyuz 17, Soyuz 26, Soyuz T-14
- Notable Awards: Order of Lenin (1975)
- Published Work: Cosmonaut No. 34: From Splinter to Aliens
- Final Resting Place: Troyekurovskoye cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Georgy Grechko’s academic background?
He held a Doctor of Sciences degree in Physics and Mathematics.
Which space stations did Grechko visit?
He served on missions to Salyut 4, Salyut 6, and Salyut 7.
Did Grechko remain in the space industry after his retirement?
He left the space programme in 1992 to focus on lecturing in atmospheric physics.
Achievements
- Affiliated with S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- Educated at Baltic State Technical University
- Worked as engineer, astronaut and writer
