38 Facts About Vladimir Komarov

Early Life and Education

Vladimir Komarov's journey to becoming a cosmonaut began in humble surroundings and was marked by a strong interest in aeronautics.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on March 16, 1927, in Moscow, Russia, Komarov grew up with his half-sister Matilda. His father worked various low-paid jobs to support the family.

2. Formal Education: Komarov started his formal education in 1935 at a local elementary school in Moscow. He excelled in mathematics and developed an early interest in aeronautics.

3. World War II: The German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941 forced Komarov to leave school. He worked as a laborer on a collective farm before joining the "1st Moscow Special Air Force School" at 15 to pursue his dream of becoming an aviator.

4. Flight School: Komarov graduated with honors from flight school in 1945. The school, relocated to Siberia during the war, offered a broad curriculum that included aviation, zoology, and foreign languages.

Military Career and Personal Life

Komarov's career in the Soviet Air Force and his personal life were both marked by dedication and resilience.

5. Pilot's Wings: In 1949, Komarov earned his pilot's wings and a commission as a lieutenant in the Soviet Air Force after completing his training at the A.K. Serov Military Aviation College in Bataisk.

6. Mother's Death: His mother passed away in 1948, seven months before his graduation. Despite this significant loss, Komarov continued to pursue his career in the Air Force.

Entry into the Soviet Space Program

Komarov's entry into the Soviet space program marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, filled with rigorous training and historic missions.

7. Cosmonaut Training: In 1960, Komarov was selected for the Soviet cosmonaut program. He trained alongside other notable cosmonauts like Yuri Gagarin and Alexei Leonov.

8. First Spaceflight: Komarov commanded Voskhod 1 in October 1964, the first spaceflight to include multiple crew members, marking a significant milestone in the Soviet space program.

The Tragic Soyuz 1 Mission

The Soyuz 1 mission was a pivotal yet tragic moment in Komarov's career, highlighting the risks of space exploration.

9. Soyuz 1 Mission: In April 1967, Komarov was assigned to the Soyuz 1 mission, part of a two-capsule space rendezvous intended to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Russian Revolution.

10. Faulty Design: The Soyuz 1 spacecraft had several design flaws, including issues with its automatic systems. Komarov was aware of these problems and had expressed his concerns to the authorities.

11. Manual Retrofire: During the mission, Komarov had to perform a manual retrofire maneuver due to a failure in the automatic systems. He used the moon through the periscope to align the spacecraft, a method that had not been tested before.

12. Successful Re-entry: Despite the challenges, Komarov completed the re-entry phase and deployed the drag chute. However, the main parachute failed to deploy due to a pressure sensor failure.

13. Crash and Death: The Soyuz 1 spacecraft crashed near Orenburg, Kazakhstan, at a speed of 35-40 meters per second. Komarov died instantly, becoming the first human to die in a space flight.

Aftermath and Legacy

Komarov's death had a profound impact on the space community and led to numerous tributes and honors.

14. Immediate Aftermath: The local air force commander reported that Komarov would require immediate medical attention, but communication links were severed shortly after. Ustinov was informed of Komarov's death by Kamanin at 11 am, and the news was later confirmed by TASS seven hours later.

15. Funeral and Burial: Komarov's remains were cremated, and his ashes were placed in an urn. The urn was displayed at the Red Banner Hall of the M. V. Frunze Central House of the Soviet Army for mourners to pay their last respects. A state funeral with full honors was held, and his ashes were interred in the Kremlin Wall Necropolis at Red Square.

16. Public Reaction: The news of Komarov's death shocked the public and the space community. Many people, including fellow cosmonauts, were deeply saddened by his loss. The incident highlighted the risks and challenges faced by cosmonauts during space missions.

17. Komarov's Request: Before his death, Komarov had specifically asked for an open casket funeral so that the public could see the consequences of the faulty spacecraft design. This request was granted, and his remains were photographed before cremation.

18. Gagarin's Role: Yuri Gagarin, a close friend and fellow cosmonaut, had inspected the Soyuz 1 spacecraft and found dozens of flaws in its construction. Despite this, Gagarin did not refuse to fly, but he did everything he could to stop the launch. Komarov's sacrifice saved Gagarin from potentially facing the same risks.

19. Brezhnev's Involvement: The Soyuz 1 mission was part of a larger political agenda to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Russian Revolution. Leonid Brezhnev, the leader of the Soviet Union at the time, was keen on completing the mission despite the risks. It is unclear whether Brezhnev himself rejected recommendations to postpone the mission or if his advisors blocked those recommendations.

20. Cremation and Ashes: Komarov's remains were cremated, and his ashes were placed in an urn. The urn was displayed publicly for mourners to pay their last respects before being interred in the Kremlin Wall.

21. Public Display: The remains were taken to the morgue at Burdenko Hospital in Moscow, where they were inspected by fellow cosmonauts. The coffin was opened, revealing a shapeless black lump, which was a result of the intense heat and impact during the crash.

22. Memorial Services: A memorial service was held for Komarov at the crash site near Orsk on April 25, 1968. Over 10,000 people attended the service, with many traveling hundreds of kilometers to pay their respects.

23. Posthumous Honors: Komarov was posthumously awarded his second Order of Lenin and the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. These honors recognized his contributions to the Soviet space program and his ultimate sacrifice.

Commemorations and Tributes

Komarov's legacy lives on through various commemorations and tributes that honor his contributions to space exploration.

24. Commemorative Items: Komarov has been featured on commemorative First Day Covers and stamps from several countries. He is also commemorated with a bust on Cosmonauts Alley in Moscow and a monument at the crash site near Orsk.

25. Asteroid and Crater: The asteroid 1836 Komarov, discovered in 1971, was named in his honor. Additionally, a crater on the Moon bears his name as a tribute to his contributions to space exploration.

26. Symphonic Music: The composer Brett Dean wrote a piece of symphonic music titled "Komarov's Fall" in 2006, commissioned by conductor Simon Rattle. This composition is part of the EMI Classics Album "The Planets" by Simon Rattle.

27. Fédération Aéronautique Internationale: The V.M. Komarov Diploma is named in his honor by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), recognizing his achievements in aviation and space exploration.

28. Soviet Satellite-Tracking Ship: A Soviet satellite-tracking ship was named after Komarov, the Kosmonaut Vladimir Komarov, as a tribute to his contributions to space exploration.

29. Apollo 11 Memorial: Before leaving the Moon on Apollo 11's Lunar Module, Neil Armstrong placed a small package of memorial items to honor Soviet cosmonauts, including Komarov. This package included items from both the Soviet and American space programs.

30. Apollo 15 Plaque: Komarov's name also appears on a commemorative plaque left at Hadley Rille on the Moon by the commander of Apollo 15, David Scott. This plaque honors 14 deceased NASA astronauts and USSR cosmonauts, including Komarov.

31. Fallen Astronaut Sculpture: A small sculpture entitled "Fallen Astronaut" was placed on the Moon by David Scott in memory of those astronauts and cosmonauts who died in the quest to reach outer space and the Moon. This sculpture represents Komarov and other fallen space explorers.

Komarov's Enduring Legacy

Komarov's contributions to space exploration continue to inspire and influence future generations.

32. Komarov's Legacy: Komarov's legacy extends beyond his tragic death. He was a pioneer in space exploration, and his contributions paved the way for future generations of cosmonauts and astronauts. His name is synonymous with bravery and sacrifice in the face of adversity.

33. Training and Preparation: The cosmonauts involved in the Soyuz 1 mission underwent rigorous training, which included playing tennis to keep in shape. However, the training was hampered by the chaotic performance of TsKBEM, the design bureau responsible for the Soyuz spacecraft.

34. Launch Delays: The launch of Soyuz 1 was delayed multiple times due to the numerous issues with the spacecraft's design and construction. This delay caused significant stress and pressure on the cosmonauts and mission control teams.

35. Cosmonauts' Day: The cosmonauts involved in the Soyuz 1 mission worked tirelessly, often for 16 hours a day, to prepare for the mission. This intense preparation was necessary due to the high stakes involved in space exploration.

36. Kamanin's Diary: Nikolai Kamanin, the head of the Cosmonaut Corps, kept a diary that provides valuable insights into the events leading up to and following Komarov's death. His diary entries detail the chaos and confusion surrounding the mission.

37. Vershinin's Involvement: Marshal Konstantin Vershinin, the Commander-in-Chief of the Red Air Force, played a crucial role in ensuring that Komarov's remains were treated with dignity. He insisted that the remains be photographed before cremation, which was a rare gesture of respect given the circumstances.

38. Public Perception: The story of Komarov's death has been subject to various misconceptions over the years. However, detailed accounts from sources like NPR and The Space Review have helped to clarify the events surrounding his tragic demise.

Komarov's Enduring Legacy

Vladimir Komarov's life and tragic death highlight the immense risks and sacrifices in space exploration. His journey from a young boy fascinated by aeronautics to a pioneering cosmonaut showcases his dedication and bravery. Despite knowing the flaws in the Soyuz 1 spacecraft, Komarov's commitment to his mission and country never wavered. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind technological advancements. Komarov's legacy lives on through various honors, memorials, and the continued inspiration he provides to future generations of space explorers. His name is etched in history, not just for his achievements but for his ultimate sacrifice. Komarov's contributions to the Soviet space program remain a testament to the courage and resilience of those who dare to venture into the unknown. His story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit's unyielding quest for discovery.