The flight of Soyuz 28 from 2 to 10 March 1978 marked a historic milestone in space exploration as Vladimír Remek became the first space traveller from a country other than the Soviet Union or the United States. This mission, launched under the Interkosmos programme, cemented his status as the first Czechoslovak in orbit.
Military and Academic Formation
Born on 26 September 1948 in České Budějovice, Remek was influenced by his father, a military pilot. His early education included mathematics and physics in Čáslav, followed by training at the aviation school in Košice where he flew the Aero L-29 Delfín. Upon graduating in 1970, he became a fighter pilot in the 1st Fighter Air Regiment. He later attended the Gagarin Air Force Academy from 1972 to 1976 and the Voroshilov-Staff Academy of Soviet Air Force, eventually attaining the rank of colonel.
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In 1976, Remek joined the Interkosmos programme, training alongside Aleksei Gubarev. During their 1978 mission, he performed experiments with the Kristall furnace. Despite the political nature of the flight, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the 1948 Czechoslovak coup d'état, he received the Hero of the Soviet Union award. Following the mission, he served as deputy director of the Flight Research Institute in Prague and held various military command positions before retiring from the air force in 1995.
Political and Diplomatic Service
Remek transitioned into politics and diplomacy, representing the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia. Between 2004 and 2013, he served as a Member of the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg, focusing on the Galileo satellite constellation. In 2014, he was appointed by President Miloš Zeman as the Czech Ambassador to Russia, a position he held until 2018. His career also included representing firms like CZ Strakonice and CZ–Turbo-GAZ in Moscow.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, České Budějovice
- Space Mission: Soyuz 28, March 1978
- Military Rank: Colonel
- European Parliament Term: 2004-2013
- Ambassador to Russia: 2014-2018
- Key Award: Hero of the Soviet Union
- Education: Gagarin Air Force Academy
Questions readers ask
Was Vladimír Remek the first person in space outside of the USSR or US?
Yes, his mission on Soyuz 28 in 1978 made him the first space traveller from a country other than the Soviet Union or the United States.
Did Remek serve in the European Parliament?
Yes, he was a Member of the European Parliament for two consecutive terms between 2004 and 2013.
Achievements
- Educated at Gagarin Air Force Academy
- Worked as politician, diplomat and aircraft pilot
