A total of 252 days, 17 hours and 38 minutes were spent in space by Viktor Petrovich Savinykh across three distinct orbital missions. Beyond his career as a flight engineer, he emerged as a prominent figure in Russian academic administration and space research, overseeing the restoration of control over the Salyut 7 orbital station during his active service.
Early Education and Career
Born on 7 March 1940 in Beryozkiny, Kirov Oblast, Savinykh completed his foundational education at the Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography, graduating in 1963. He pursued further academic advancement, eventually becoming a Doctor in Engineering and a professor. His professional trajectory led him to the S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, where he utilized his background in aerospace engineering to contribute to Soviet space exploration efforts.
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Selected for the cosmonaut program on 1 December 1978, Savinykh participated in three major flights: Soyuz T-4, Soyuz T-13, and Soyuz TM-5. His technical expertise as a flight engineer proved essential during the 1985 mission to re-establish functionality for the Salyut 7 space station. He officially retired from cosmonaut duties on 9 February 1989. His account of the Salyut 7 restoration project is documented in his 1999 book, Notes from a Dead Station.
Academic and Public Leadership
Following his retirement from space flight, Savinykh transitioned into higher education leadership. He served as the rector of the Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography from 1989 until 2007, subsequently assuming the role of university president. His public work expanded to include politics; in March 2011, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Kirov Oblast representing the United Russia party. He also served as a member of the second Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation.
Honors and Recognition
Savinykh received multiple national and international decorations, including being named a twice Hero of the Soviet Union. His awards portfolio features three Orders of Lenin, the USSR State Prize, and the Russian President's Prize in the field of education. In 2005, the scientific community honored his contributions by naming minor planet 6890 after him. He is also a full cavalier of the Order for Merit to the Fatherland, having received all four classes of the distinction between 1994 and 2020.
Fast facts
- Born: 7 March 1940, Beryozkiny, Russia
- Space flight duration: 252 days, 17 hours, 38 minutes
- Selected as cosmonaut: 1 December 1978
- Academic degree: Doctor in Engineering
- University affiliation: Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography
- Political party: United Russia
- Book authored: Notes from a Dead Station
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the Soyuz T-13 mission?
During this flight, Savinykh played a key role in the restoration of control over the Salyut 7 space orbital station in 1985.
What is his academic background?
He graduated from the Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography in 1963 and later earned a Doctorate in Engineering.
Achievements
- Affiliated with S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia and Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography
- Educated at Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography
- Worked as astronaut, writer and military flight engineer
