Soyuz 12 served as the critical test flight for Oleg Grigoryevich Makarov in 1973, marking a vital safety assessment of the Soviet spacecraft following the Soyuz 11 tragedy. Throughout a career defined by technical precision and engineering expertise, he navigated the complex challenges of the Soviet lunar program, emergency re-entries, and long-term orbital station maintenance.
Engineering and Training
Born in Udomlya in 1933, Makarov pursued academic excellence at the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, graduating in 1957. He immediately joined the S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, where he focused on the development of the Vostok spacecraft. His technical acumen led to his selection for cosmonaut training in 1966. Initially designated for the Soviet lunar program, he trained alongside Alexei Leonov for a planned circumlunar mission that was ultimately abandoned following the success of Apollo 8.
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Makarov’s flight experience spanned several high-stakes missions. After the 1973 Soyuz 12 test, he participated in the abortive Soyuz 18a flight, which required an emergency landing in the Altay Mountains only 21 minutes after departure. He later launched on Soyuz 27 to the Salyut 6 space station, returning via the Soyuz 26 vehicle. His final mission, Soyuz T-3, involved extensive repair operations on Salyut 6. Additionally, he supported the program as a backup crew member for Soyuz 17 and Soyuz T-2, logging a total flight time of 20 days, 17 hours, and 44 minutes.
Professional Legacy
Following his active flight duties, Makarov remained a fixture at Energia, contributing to the development of the Mir space station and the Energia-Buran project. He held the academic rank of Candidate of Technical Sciences. His service was recognized with numerous accolades, including four Orders of Lenin and two Gold Star medals. Makarov died in Moscow in 2003 following a heart attack and is interred at the Ostankino Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1933, Udomlya
- Died: 2003, Moscow
- Education: Bauman Moscow State Technical University
- Employer: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- Total space time: 20 days, 17 hours, 44 minutes
- Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR title awarded: 1973
- Primary burial site: Ostankino Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Makarov's role in the Soyuz 18a mission?
He was a crew member on this abortive flight, which necessitated an emergency landing in the Altay Mountains shortly after launch.
Which major space programs did he support after his flight career?
He worked on the Mir space station program and the development of the Energia-Buran system.
Achievements
- Affiliated with S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- Educated at Bauman Moscow State Technical University
- Worked as engineer and astronaut
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