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

PM Rosen Zhelyazkov (L) and GERB leader Boyko Borissov.

GERB and DPS-New Beginning rule out early elections

‘This is not the time for early elections,’ said Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov at a GERB party conference. According to BTA, he was opposed to holding elections during the country’s planned adoption of the euro in 2026. GERB chairman Boyko..

published on 10/17/25 1:12 PM

Appellate Court-Sofia leaves Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev in custody

The Sofia Appellate Court left in custody Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev, who is charged with corruption and participation in an organized crime group. The judgment is final. One of the three judges, Andrey Angelov, signed with a dissenting..

published on 10/17/25 11:03 AM

Justice Minister Georgiev discusses with the EC legislative changes related to the new payment under the RRP

Bulgaria’s Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev conferred in Brussels with the European Commission team responsible for the Resilience and Recovery Plan (RRP) reforms in Bulgaria, reported the Ministry of Justice. EC: RRP payment depends on..

published on 10/17/25 9:51 AM