Today, December 18, 2020, twice Hero of the Soviet Union, pilot-cosmonaut of the USSR, representative of the first “Gagarin” recruitment to the cosmonaut corps Boris Volynov accepts congratulations on his birthday. Boris Valentinovich is a legendary man. He began to prepare for space flights side by side with Yuri Gagarin, German Titov and other space pioneers. On March 7, 1960, by order of the Air Force Commander-in-Chief B.V. Volynov was enrolled in the cosmonaut corps of the Air Force CTC for the position of listener-cosmonaut (1st set).
Boris Valentinovich Volynov made his first space flight from 15 to 18 January 1969 as the commander of the Soyuz-5 spacecraft. It was during this flight that a remarkable achievement was achieved – the world’s first docking of two manned spacecraft – Soyuz-4, commanded by Vladimir Alexandrovich Shatalov, and Soyuz-5.
The second space flight of B.V. Volynova lasted from July 6 to August 24, 1976. Boris Valentinovich was again appointed commander of the Soyuz. During the space flight, extensive and valuable scientific information about the physical characteristics of the Earth’s atmosphere was obtained. On board the Salyut-5 orbital station, studies were carried out to show how various physical processes and technological operations proceed in zero gravity. The total flight duration was 49 days.
For the successful implementation of space flights and the courage and heroism shown at the same time B.V. Volynov was twice awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. After returning to Earth, Boris Valentinovich for many years headed the cosmonaut corps of the Yu.A. Gagarin, where in general he served for 30 years, which is a record result among compatriots.
Roskosmos State Corporation, employees of the Cosmonaut Training Center, a cosmonaut corps, colleagues in the space industry congratulate Boris Valentinovich Volynov on his birthday and wish him longevity, happiness and strength for new achievements!