The selection process for the 1978 Soyuz 30 space mission culminated in a reserve crew pairing that included Polish pilot Zenon Jankowski. Born in Poznań in 1937, his trajectory through the military ranks led him to the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in the Soviet Union, marking a period of intense focus on high-altitude technical performance and orbital preparation.
Military and Aviation Foundation
Jankowski began his formal aviation training in 1956 at the Officer Flight School No. 5 in Radom, later transferring to the Polish Air Force University in Dęblin. By 1960, he earned his commission as a second lieutenant and transitioned into instructing cadets on MiG-15 jet fighters. He continued his progression within the Polish People's Army, eventually entering the Academy of the General Staff in 1966. His career included roles as a fighter-bomber unit commander and air regiment navigator before reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel.
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In 1976, Polish authorities identified ten candidates for the Soviet Interkosmos program. Jankowski, who had accumulated over two thousand flight hours, underwent rigorous testing in Zakopane, Poland, and the Soviet Union. By late 1976, he narrowed the field of competitors alongside Mirosław Hermaszewski. Both men arrived at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Zvyozdny gorodok on 4 December 1976 to commence specialized training. In July 1977, Jankowski was paired with Soviet engineer Valery Kubasov.
Soyuz 30 Mission Role
On 25 June 1978, officials designated Pyotr Klimuk and Mirosław Hermaszewski as the primary crew for Soyuz 30, with Kubasov and Jankowski serving as the reserve unit. The mission launched on 27 June 1978, successfully docking with the Salyut 6 space station. While his counterpart performed the mission, Jankowski acted as a flight director consultant. Following the mission, he returned to Polish military service until his eventual retirement with the rank of colonel.
Public Recognition and Commemoration
Poczta Polska prepared commemorative stamps featuring Jankowski labeled as the first Pole in space, intended for release before the mission crew selection was finalized. After Hermaszewski was selected for the flight, authorities ordered the destruction of the Jankowski stamps. Approximately 800 copies survived after being distributed to the United States. His participation in the program was also documented in 1978 by filmmaker Bohdan Świątkiewicz in two features produced by Czołówka Film Studio.
Fast facts
- Born: 1937, Poznań
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Education: General Staff Academy
- Space Mission: Soyuz 30 (Reserve)
- Residence: Luboń
- Languages: Polish
Questions readers ask
Did Zenon Jankowski fly in space?
No, he served as a member of the reserve crew for the 1978 Soyuz 30 mission.
Where does Zenon Jankowski live?
He resides in the town of Luboń, near Poznań, Poland.
Achievements
- Educated at General Staff Academy
- Worked as astronaut
