Vladimir Lyakhov accumulated 333 days, 7 hours, and 47 minutes in space throughout a career as a Soviet cosmonaut and pilot. Selected for the cosmonaut program in 1967, he eventually commanded three separate missions before retiring from service in 1994, leaving a substantial record of long-duration flight experience within the Soviet space infrastructure.
Military Service and Training
Born in 1941 in Antratsyt, Lyakhov followed a trajectory as an aircraft pilot before transitioning to astronautics. His professional education took place at the Gagarin Air Force Academy. Throughout his military progression, he held multiple ranks, including lieutenant, senior lieutenant, captain, major, and podpolkovnik. His expertise eventually led to his appointment as deputy commander of the cosmonaut corps and deputy director for cosmonaut training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.
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Lyakhov served as commander for the Soyuz 32, Soyuz T-9, and Soyuz TM-6 missions. During the Soyuz 32 flight to the Salyut-6 space station, he partnered with Valeri Ryumin. The duo established a space endurance record of 175 days, concluding their mission upon returning to Earth on 19 August 1979. Across his missions, he performed three spacewalks, logging a total of 7 hours and 8 minutes of extravehicular activity outside the Salyut-6 and Salyut-7 orbital stations.
Formal Recognition and Awards
The Soviet state and various international bodies formally recognized his service through numerous decorations. He received the title of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR in 1979 and was named an Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR in 1980. His decorations include the Gold Star medal, two instances of the Order of Lenin, the Order of the October Revolution, and the Order of the Sun of Liberty. Additionally, he held the Order of the People's Republic of Bulgaria and, later, the Order of Merit (Ukraine), 3rd class.
Fast facts
- Born: 1941, Antratsyt
- Died: 2018, Astrakhan
- Selected as cosmonaut: 5 May 1967
- Retired: 7 September 1994
- Cumulative time in space: 333 days, 7 hours, 47 minutes
- Spacewalks: 3 (total 7 hours, 8 minutes)
- Highest military rank: Podpolkovnik
Questions readers ask
Which spacecraft did Vladimir Lyakhov command?
He served as commander for the Soyuz 32, Soyuz T-9, and Soyuz TM-6 missions.
When did Lyakhov retire from the cosmonaut program?
He retired from service on 7 September 1994.
Achievements
- Educated at Gagarin Air Force Academy
- Worked as aircraft pilot and astronaut
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