Vladimir Vasyutin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vladimir Vladimirovich Vasyutin
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| Born | 8 March 1952 |
| Died | 19 July 2002 (aged 50) |
| Nationality | Soviet |
| Occupation | Pilot |
| Space career | |
| Cosmonaut | |
| Rank | Lieutenant General, Russian Air Force |
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Time in space
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64d 21h 52m |
| Selection | Civilian Specialist Group 3 |
| Missions | Salyut 7 EO-4 (Soyuz T-14) |
Vladimir Vladimirovich Vasyutin (born 8 March 1952, died 19 July 2002) was a brave Soviet cosmonaut. Cosmonauts are like astronauts, but they are from Russia or the former Soviet Union. He spent over 64 days orbiting Earth on a space mission.
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Becoming a Cosmonaut
Vladimir Vasyutin was born in Kharkiv, which was part of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic at the time. He loved flying and became a pilot. He studied at the Higher Air Force School and the Test Pilot School in Kharkov.
In 1976, he started his basic training to become a cosmonaut. He was officially chosen as a cosmonaut on 1 December 1978. Before flying to space, he became a Lieutenant General in the Soviet Air Forces.
His Space Mission
Vladimir Vasyutin's only space flight was as the Commander of the Soyuz T-14 mission. This mission went to the Salyut 7 space station. Salyut 7 was a space station that orbited Earth, like a small home for astronauts in space.
The mission was part of a longer stay called Salyut 7 EO-4. Vladimir Vasyutin and his crew were supposed to stay on Salyut 7 for about six months. They had many important military space experiments planned.
An Unexpected Return
However, things did not go as planned. Soon after arriving at the space station, Vladimir Vasyutin became unwell. He had hidden this health issue from doctors before the launch. Because of his illness, he could not do his work.
His crew had to make an emergency return to Earth much earlier than planned. They came back after only two months in space. This was a very difficult decision, but it was important for his health and the safety of the crew.
Life After Space
After his space flight, Vladimir Vasyutin retired from being a cosmonaut in February 1986 due to his health. Even though he could no longer fly to space, he continued to work in the space and aviation field.
He later became a Deputy Faculty Chief at the Gagarin Air Force Academy in Monino. This academy is a famous place where many pilots and cosmonauts are trained. Vladimir Vasyutin was married and had two children. He passed away in 2002.
Awards and Honors
Vladimir Vasyutin received many important awards for his service and bravery:
- Hero of the Soviet Union
- Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR
- Order of Honour (Russian Federation)
- Order of Lenin
- Medal "For Strengthening Military Cooperation" (USSR)
- Medal "For Strengthening Military Cooperation" (Russian Federation Defence Ministry)
- Medal "Brotherhood in Arms" (Polish People's Republic)
