33 years since the first flight of a Kazakh astronaut

Thirty-three years ago, on October 2, 1991, Kazakhstan took a historic step into space. Astronaut Tokhtar Aubakirov launched aboard the "Soyuz TM-13" spacecraft from Baikonur with his crew. He spent a week on the "Mir" orbital station and returned on October 10. During this time, he conducted five scientific experiments.

The flight included filming sandstorms over the Aral Sea and medical-biological research. Specialized food products and space biotechnology were closely monitored. The behavior of molten metals in microgravity was studied. All collected samples returned to Earth, where they were thoroughly examined by scientists.

Tokhtar Aubakirov's flight marked a key moment in the development of Kazakhstan's space science and technology. As the first astronaut of Kazakh nationality, his achievements signify the beginning of a new era in Earth observation from space and the development of space technologies in Kazakhstan.

Tokhtar Aubakirov Ongarbaevich, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, 72nd astronaut of the USSR, Honored Test Pilot of the USSR, Honored Master of Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Major General of the Air Force of Kazakhstan, Hero of the Soviet Union, and People's Hero of Kazakhstan.