Launched aboard the Soyuz 37 mission on 23 July 1980, Pham Tuan became the first Vietnamese citizen and the first person of Asian origin to travel into space.
Military Aviation Career
Born in 1947 in Quốc Tuấn, Pham Tuan entered the Vietnam People's Air Force in 1965. He received training at the Krasnodar Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots named after Hero of the Soviet Union A.K. Serov in the Soviet Union. Throughout the 1970s, he served in multiple capacities within the military, eventually reaching the rank of lieutenant general.
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Selected for the Interkosmos program in 1979, Pham Tuan trained as a research cosmonaut. During his eight-day mission, he performed microgravity experiments involving mineral samples and conducted biological research on azolla plants. He also utilized photographic equipment to map Vietnamese territory from orbit. His mission concluded on 31 July 1980 after completing 142 orbits.
Post-Military Service and Public Office
Following his transition from active flight duties, Pham Tuan occupied several administrative and political positions. He served as the director of the Vietnam Defence Industry and acted as a member of the National Assembly of Vietnam. His career reflects a transition from frontline military aviation and aerospace science to institutional oversight within the Vietnamese government.
Fast facts
- Born: 1947, Quốc Tuấn
- Spaceflight: Soyuz 37, 1980
- Military Rank: Lieutenant General
- Primary Education: Krasnodar Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots
- Space Mission Duration: 7 days, 20 hours, 42 minutes
- Notable Awards: Hero of the Soviet Union, Hero of the People's Armed Forces
- Political Role: Member of the National Assembly of Vietnam
Questions readers ask
Was Pham Tuan the first Asian person in space?
Yes, he became the first person of Asian origin to reach space upon his launch in July 1980.
What was his rank in the military?
He attained the rank of lieutenant general.
Achievements
- Educated at Krasnodar Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots named after Hero of the Soviet Union A.K. Serov
- Worked as astronaut, military officer and airman
