Vasily Grigoryevich Lazarev participated in the Soyuz 12 spaceflight and the aborted Soyuz 18a mission on 5 April 1975. A physician, aircraft pilot, and colonel in the Soviet Air Force, he navigated a career defined by the rigorous demands of the Soviet space programme until a failed physical in 1981 ended his active duty.
Education and Early Career
Born in 1928 in Poroshino, Altai Krai, Lazarev pursued studies that combined medicine and aviation. He completed his education at Ural State Medical University and Saratov State Medical University, while also training at the Ivan Kozhedub National University of the Air Force. These qualifications provided the technical foundation for his subsequent role as a Soviet cosmonaut.
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During the 5 April 1975 Soyuz 18a launch, a technical failure forced an immediate abort. The resulting high acceleration during the emergency descent caused significant injuries. Lazarev required a direct appeal to Leonid Brezhnev, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, to secure the bonus pay typically associated with spaceflight, which authorities initially denied following the failed mission.
Later Life and Recognition
Lazarev never fully recovered from the physical trauma sustained during the Soyuz 18a landing. After leaving the space programme in 1981, he spent his remaining years in Moscow. His service was acknowledged with numerous honors, including the title Hero of the Soviet Union, the status of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR, and the Order of Lenin. He died on 31 December 1990 at age 62.
Fast facts
- Born: 1928, Poroshino, Altai Krai
- Died: 31 December 1990, Moscow
- Occupations: Physician, aircraft pilot, astronaut
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Space Missions: Soyuz 12, Soyuz 18a
- Education: Ural State Medical University, Saratov State Medical University, Ivan Kozhedub National University of the Air Force
Questions readers ask
What caused the end of Vasily Lazarev's space career?
He left the space programme in 1981 after failing a physical examination, largely due to health issues stemming from his injuries during the 1975 Soyuz 18a abort.
Which awards did Lazarev receive?
He was named a Hero of the Soviet Union and a Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR, and he held the Order of Lenin, among various service medals.
Achievements
- Educated at Ural State Medical University, Saratov State Medical University and Ivan Kozhedub National University of the Air Force
- Worked as physician, aircraft pilot and astronaut
