Talgat Musabayev facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Talgat Musabayev
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| Талғат Мұсабаев | |
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Musabayev in 2022
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| Member of the Senate | |
| In office 13 July 2017 – 24 January 2023 |
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| Appointed by | Nursultan Nazarbayev |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 7 January 1951 Kargaly, Soviet Union (now Kazakhstan) |
| Died | 4 August 2025 (aged 74) |
| Political party | Amanat (2007–) |
| Occupation | Test pilot |
| Awards |   |
| Space career | |
| Roscosmos cosmonaut | |
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Current occupation
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Director of Aerospace Agency of Republic of Kazakhstan |
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Time in space
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341d 9h 48m |
| Selection | 11 May 1990 |
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Total EVAs
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7 |
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Total EVA time
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41 hours, 13 minutes |
| Missions | Mir EO-16 (Soyuz TM-19), Mir EO-25 (Soyuz TM-27), ISS EP-1 (Soyuz TM-32 / Soyuz TM-31) |
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Mission insignia
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Talgat Amangeldyuly Musabayev (Kazakh: Талғат Аманкелдіұлы Мұсабаев, Talğat Amankeldıūly Mūsabaev; 7 January 1951 – 4 August 2025) was a famous Kazakh politician, skilled test pilot, and brave cosmonaut. He traveled to space three times. His first two trips were long stays on the Russian space station Mir. His third trip was a shorter visit to the International Space Station (ISS). On this mission, he flew with the very first person who paid to go to space, Dennis Tito. Talgat Musabayev stopped being a cosmonaut in November 2003. From 2007, he led KazCosmos, which is Kazakhstan's national space agency.
Contents
Becoming a Cosmonaut: Early Life and Training
Talgat Musabayev studied at the Riga Civil Aviation Engineers Institute, finishing in 1974. Later, in 1983, he earned another degree from a military aviation school in Akhtubinsk. He was a very talented pilot and won awards for his amazing aerobatic flying skills. Because of his talent, he was chosen to become a cosmonaut on May 11, 1990. In 1991, he became a Major in the Air Force and joined the special group of cosmonauts.
Adventures in Space: Talgat Musabayev's Missions
Talgat Musabayev had an amazing career as a cosmonaut, flying to space three times.
First Space Journey: Mir EO-16
His first trip to space was on a long mission called Mir EO-16. He launched aboard the Soyuz TM-19 spacecraft. On this mission, he worked as a Flight Engineer. The journey began on July 1, 1994, and ended on November 4, 1994. He spent an incredible 125 days, 22 hours, and 53 minutes living and working in space!
Second Space Journey: Mir EO-25
Talgat Musabayev's second space mission was even more special. He was the Commander of the Mir EO-25 expedition. This long trip started on January 29, 1998, and he returned to Earth on August 25, 1998. He led his crew on the Soyuz TM-27 spacecraft.
Third Space Journey: Visiting the International Space Station
His third and final mission was to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission, called ISS EP-1, was a shorter visit. He commanded the Soyuz TM-32 spacecraft for launch and returned on Soyuz TM-31 on May 6, 2001. This trip lasted 7 days, 22 hours, and 4 minutes. It was very famous because it carried the first-ever space tourist, Dennis Tito, who paid to travel to space!
By 2007, Talgat Musabayev was among the top 30 cosmonauts in the world for the total time he spent in space.
Life After Space: Leadership and Public Service
After his incredible space career, Talgat Musabayev retired as a cosmonaut in November 2003. He then took on important leadership roles.
He became a Major General in September 2003 and served as a deputy leader at a military aviation academy. From 2005 to 2007, he was the General Director of "Bayterek" Corp., a company that worked with both Kazakhstan and Russia.
On April 11, 2007, Talgat Musabayev was chosen to lead KazCosmos. This is Kazakhstan's official space agency, similar to NASA in the United States.
From July 13, 2017, to January 24, 2023, he also served as a Deputy in the Senate. The Senate is part of the Parliament, which helps make laws for the country.
Family and Legacy
Talgat Musabayev was married and had two children. He passed away at the age of 74 on August 4, 2025. His life was full of amazing achievements, from flying planes to exploring space and serving his country.
Awards and Recognition
Talgat Musabayev received many important awards for his bravery and contributions to space exploration and his country.
- Hero of the Russian Federation (1994) – This is one of Russia's highest honors for courage in space.
- People's Hero of Kazakhstan (1995) – Kazakhstan's highest award for outstanding service.
- Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 2nd class (2001) and 3rd class (1998) – Awards from Russia for his heroic space flights.
- Order of Otan (1998) – A high award from Kazakhstan.
- Order Barys (Leopard), 1st class (2002) – Another significant Kazakh award.
- Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration" (2011) – For helping with international space cooperation.
- Medal "Astana" (1999) – Awarded by Kazakhstan.
- Order of Friendship of Peoples (1991) – For promoting friendship between nations through space work.
- Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation (1994) – A special title for Russian cosmonauts.
- Pilot-Cosmonaut of Kazakhstan (1995) – A special title for Kazakh cosmonauts.
- Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria (1991) – An award from Austria.
- Officer of the Legion of Honour (France, 2010) – A prestigious French award for his work in space and cooperation with France.
- NASA Space Flight Medal (United States, 1998) – For his important role in the Shuttle-Mir program.
See also
In Spanish: Talgat Musabáiev para niños
- List of Heroes of the Russian Federation
