Viktor Patsayev facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Viktor Patsayev
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| Born |
Viktor Ivanovich Patsayev
19 June 1933 Aktyubinsk, Kazakh ASSR, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
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| Died | 30 June 1971 (aged 38) Soyuz 11, Outer space
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| Resting place | Kremlin Wall Necropolis |
| Nationality | Soviet |
| Occupation | Engineer |
| Awards | Hero of the Soviet Union |
| Space career | |
| Cosmonaut | |
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Time in space
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23d 18h 21m |
| Selection | 1968 USSR Civilian Specialist Group 3 |
| Missions | Soyuz 11 |
Viktor Ivanovich Patsayev was a brave Soviet cosmonaut. He was born on June 19, 1933, and sadly passed away on June 30, 1971. He is famous for his journey on the Soyuz 11 mission. During this mission, he became the first person to operate a special telescope in space. This telescope, called the Orion 1 Space Observatory, was outside Earth's atmosphere.
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A Pioneer in Space Exploration
Viktor Patsayev was an engineer before he became a cosmonaut. He was chosen to be a cosmonaut in 1968. Cosmonauts are like astronauts, but they are from the Soviet Union. He spent almost 24 days in space on his only mission.
The Soyuz 11 Mission
Viktor Patsayev was part of the Soyuz 11 crew. This mission was very important. It was the first time a crew successfully docked with a space station. The space station was called Salyut 1. On board Salyut 1, Viktor Patsayev used the Orion 1 Space Observatory. This was a special telescope. He was the first person to use a telescope outside Earth's atmosphere. This helped scientists learn more about space.
A Tragic Return
After their time in space, the Soyuz 11 crew began their journey back to Earth. The capsule landed normally. However, when the rescue team opened the capsule, they found the crew had tragically died.
Scientists investigated what happened. They discovered that a small valve had opened just before the capsule left orbit. This valve allowed all the air inside the capsule to escape into space. The cosmonauts could not breathe without air. One of Patsayev's hands was bruised. He may have been trying to close the valve by hand when he lost consciousness.
Remembering Viktor Patsayev
Viktor Patsayev was honored for his bravery and contributions. His ashes were buried in a very special place in Moscow. This place is called the Kremlin Wall Necropolis on Red Square.
He received many important awards after his death. These included the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. This is one of the highest honors in the Soviet Union. He also received the Order of Lenin. To remember him, a crater on the Moon was named Patsaev. A small planet, 1791 Patsayev, was also named after him.
