Learn About Valery Kubasov: Age, Birthdate, Zodiac Sign & More

Early Life and Education

Valery Kubasov was born on July 1, 1935, in Russia. He had always been fascinated by the cosmos and knew from a young age that he wanted to become an astronaut. In 1958, he graduated from the Moscow Aviation Institute as an aerospace engineer, laying the groundwork for his future career in space exploration.

Entry into the Soviet Space Program

Kubasov's dream came true when he was selected to join the Soviet space program as a cosmonaut. He quickly proved himself to be a skilled and dedicated astronaut, earning a spot on two missions in the Soyuz program as a flight engineer: Soyuz 6 and Soyuz 19. His expertise and leadership abilities eventually led to him commanding Soyuz 36 in the Intercosmos program, solidifying his place in the history of space exploration.

Contributions to Space Exploration

  • First Welding Experiments in Space: Kubasov made history by performing the first welding experiments in space, demonstrating the feasibility of construction and repair work in the harsh environment of outer space. His innovative approach paved the way for future advancements in space technology.
  • Development of the Mir Space Station: After retiring from the Russian space program in November 1993, Kubasov continued to contribute to the field of space exploration as the deputy director of RKK Energia. He was instrumental in the development of the Mir space station, a key milestone in the history of human spaceflight.

Personal Life

Outside of his stellar career as an astronaut and aerospace engineer, Kubasov was a devoted husband to Lyudmila Kurovskaya. Together, they had a daughter, Ekaterina, and a son, Dmitry. Despite the demands of his work, Kubasov always made time for his family and cherished moments spent with his loved ones.

Legacy

Valery Kubasov's legacy continues to inspire future generations of astronauts and space enthusiasts. His groundbreaking work in space exploration, including the first welding experiments in space and his contributions to the Mir space station, have left an indelible mark on the history of human spaceflight. He will always be remembered as a visionary pioneer who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the cosmos.