Musa Khiramanovich Manarov completed a total of 541 days in space across two orbital missions, establishing duration records that defined the late Soviet era of aerospace engineering. A graduate of the Moscow Aviation Institute, he transitioned from a career as a Soviet Air Force colonel to a prominent role in the Russian political landscape.
Engineering and Flight Missions
After graduating with an engineering qualification in 1974, Manarov entered the cosmonaut program in December 1978. His first orbital flight, Soyuz TM-4, began on 21 December 1987 and lasted 365 days, 22 hours, and 38 minutes. He returned to orbit on 2 December 1990 for the Soyuz TM-11 mission, which lasted 175 days, one hour, and 50 minutes. During these missions, he served as flight engineer, conducting space manufacturing tasks and executing over 20 hours of spacewalks.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Legislative Career
Following his retirement from active space operations, Manarov transitioned into national politics. Between 2007 and 2011, he served as a member of the 5th State Duma of the Russian Federation. He represented the United Russia faction during this four-year legislative term in Moscow.
Decorations and Recognition
Manarov has received multiple international and domestic honors for his contributions to space exploration. He is a Hero of the Soviet Union and a Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR. His awards include the Order of Lenin, the Order of the October Revolution, and the Medal for Merit in Space Exploration. International recognition includes being named an Officer of the Legion of Honour in France, receiving the Order of Stara Planina from Bulgaria, and being inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame in 1989.
Fast facts
- Born: 22 March 1951, Baku
- Education: Moscow Aviation Institute
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Total Time in Space: 541 days
- Political Office: Member of the 5th State Duma
- Citizenship: Russia and the Soviet Union
- Ethnicity: Lak
Questions readers ask
Did Musa Manarov hold any foreign honors?
Yes, he was appointed an Officer of the Legion of Honour and received the Order of Stara Planina.
What was Manarov's primary professional qualification?
He was trained as an engineer, having graduated from the Moscow Aviation Institute in 1974.
Achievements
- Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Educated at Moscow Aviation Institute
- Worked as engineer, astronaut and politician
.jpg)
