Text size

46 years ago today: Georgi Ivanov became the first Bulgarian cosmonaut

published on 4/10/25 1:29 PM

Georgi Ivanov (R) and Nikolai Rukavishnikov.

Photo: BTA

On this day 46 years ago, Georgi Ivanov made history as the first Bulgarian to go into space. On 10 April 1979, at 20:34 Moscow time, the Soyuz-33 spacecraft was launched into orbit with Georgi Ivanov and Soviet commander Nikolai Rukavishnikov on board.

Although the mission suffered a serious technical malfunction that prevented the spacecraft from docking with the Salyut-6 orbital station, the two cosmonauts managed to return safely. After thirty-one orbits, they landed 320 kilometres south-east of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan. The mission lasted one day, 23 hours and 1 minute.

43 years since the space flight of Bulgarian astronaut Georgi Ivanov

Remarkably, Ivanov remained calm throughout the mission - even during the emergency landing - and his pulse never exceeded the normal range. His physiological composure under extreme stress is still considered a world record.

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria News 46 years cosmonaut flight georgi ivanov

More from category

The work of the Bulgarian–Macedonian Commission on Historical Issues is stalled

The latest discussions of the Bulgaria-North Macedonia Commission on Historical Issues were completely unproductive due to the position of the colleagues from Skopje. In essence, there was no productive atmosphere. The colleagues from North..

published on 4/12/25 10:40 AM

Burgas hosts the world competition Sauvignon Selection by CMB

Burgas will host the 16th edition of Sauvignon Selection , a major segment of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and one of the most prestigious independent wine competitions in the world. Over 1,000 Sauvignon Blanc wines from all over the world will..

published on 4/12/25 8:15 AM

The tenth anniversary edition of Tarnovo Ultra begins

A record number of participants from Bulgaria and abroad are expected to take part in the tenth anniversary edition of the Tarnovo Ultra Bike and Trail in Veliko Tarnovo, announced the organizers from the sports club “Brown Team”. The..

published on 4/12/25 6:25 AM