Thirty-three years ago, on October 2, 1991, Kazakhstan took a historic step into space when cosmonaut Tokhtar Aubakirov with his crew was launched aboard the Soyuz TM-13 spacecraft from Baikonur spaceport. As part of the crew, he spent a week on the MIR orbital station and returned on October 10. During this time, he conducted five scientific experiments, the Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry said on its website.
During the flight, sandstorms in the Aral Sea were filmed and medical and biological research was conducted. Specialized food products and space biotechnology were closely monitored. The behavior of metal melts in microgravity conditions was studied. All collected samples were returned to Earth, where they were carefully studied by scientists.
Tokhtar Aubakirov’s flight was a key moment in the development of Kazakhstan’s space science and technology. As the first cosmonaut of Kazakh nationality, his achievements mark the beginning of a new era in the exploration of the Earth from space and the development of space technologies in Kazakhstan.
Tokhtar Aubakirov is a Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, 72nd cosmonaut of the USSR, Honored Test Pilot of the USSR, Major General of the Air Force of Kazakhstan, People’s Hero of Kazakhstan, and a Hero of the Soviet Union.
Photo: gov.kz