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

Bulgaria is a key player in the region's energy transition, says energy minister

Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov attended the tenth edition of the Delphi Economic Forum in Greece. "Bulgaria is a reliable partner in the region's energy transformation and security," he said during his speech at the panel "Addressing Energy Regional..

published on 4/10/25 5:42 PM

Testing of Average speed control systems started today

Testing of the sectional average speed control system began today. The tests are being conducted by the National Toll Authority in cooperation with the Bulgarian Institute of Metrology and are aimed at verifying the accuracy of the measurements before the..

published on 4/10/25 3:59 PM

Police bust human smuggling ring active since 2022

On 7 April, the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime dismantled a migrant smuggling network. Three people were arrested - the organiser and two of his associates. The organiser is a third-country national who has been denied refugee status in..

published on 4/10/25 3:04 PM