Georgy Shonin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Georgy Stepanovich Shonin
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| Born | 3 August 1935 Rovenky, Soviet Union (now Ukraine)
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| Died | 7 April 1997 (aged 61) Zvyozdny, Russia
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| Nationality | Ukrainian |
| Occupation | Pilot |
| Awards | Hero of the Soviet Union |
| Space career | |
| Cosmonaut | |
| Rank | Lieutenant General, Soviet Air Force |
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Time in space
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4d 22h 42m |
| Selection | Air Force Group 1 |
| Missions | Soyuz 6 |
Georgy Stepanovich Shonin was a brave Soviet cosmonaut. He was born on August 3, 1935, in Rovenky, which is now part of Ukraine. He grew up in Balta. Georgy became famous for flying into space on the Soyuz 6 mission. He passed away on April 7, 1997.
During World War II, Georgy's family showed great courage. They secretly helped a Jewish family hide from the Nazis. This was a very risky thing to do, but they believed it was the right thing.
Becoming a Pilot
Georgy Shonin loved flying. In February 1957, he finished Naval Aviation School. He earned his pilot's wings and became a lieutenant.
He then joined the 935th Fighter Regiment. This was a part of the Soviet Air Force that worked with the navy. Later, in 1958, he moved to the 768th Fighter Regiment. It was based in the Murmansk region. While there, he became friends with another young pilot named Yuri Gagarin. Yuri Gagarin would later become the first human in space!
Journey to Space
Georgy Shonin was chosen to be a cosmonaut in 1960. He was part of the very first group of space explorers. This was a huge honor.
He finally got to fly into space in October 1969. His mission was on the Soyuz 6 spacecraft. This was a very important space flight.
Georgy left the space program in 1979. He had to leave for health reasons. After that, he was promoted to major general. He later worked on the development of the Buran space shuttle. This was a big project for the Soviet Union.
Georgy Shonin died in 1997 from a heart attack. He is remembered as a hero of the Soviet Union and a pioneer in space exploration.
Awards and Honors
Georgy Shonin received many awards for his bravery and service. Some of his most important awards include:
- Hero of the Soviet Union
- Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR
- Order of Lenin
- Order of the October Revolution
- Order of the Red Banner of Labour
- Order of the Red Star
