Vitaly Zholobov

Vitaly Mikhaylovich Zholobov (Russian: Виталий Михайлович Жолобов; born 18 June 1937) is a retired Soviet cosmonaut who flew on Soyuz 21 space flight as the flight engineer.

Vitaly Mikhaylovich Zholobov
Boris Volynov (left) and Vitaly Zholobov on a 1976 Soviet stamp
Born	(1937-06-18) 18 June 1937 Zburjevka, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union
Nationality	Ukrainian
Occupation	Engineer
Space career
Cosmonaut
Rank	Colonel, Soviet Air Force
Time in space	49d 06h 23m
Selection	Air Force Group 2
Missions	Soyuz 21

Career

Zholobov joined the space programme from the Soviet Air Force where he held the rank of Colonel-engineer.

His only trip to space involved a two-month stay on the Salyut 5 space station (Soyuz 21 mission). The flight was scheduled to last for 60 days but lasted for only 49. The reason for the cancellation was the detection of a noxious odor on board. Vitaly Zholobov reported to the Mission Control Center that the smell was similar to that of a propellant which was known to be toxic. The Control Center decided to abort the mission to avoid exposing the crew to further risk and because the research and technology programs were already successfully finished. He was in orbit from 6 June 1976 to 24 August 1976.[1]

Although he never flew again, Zholobov stayed in the space programme until 1981 when he resigned to become director of a geological science research group.

Awards

• Hero of the Soviet Union
• Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR
• Order of Merit 3rd class (Ukraine)
• Order of Lenin
• Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration" (Russian Federation)
• Medal "For the Development of Virgin Lands"
• Medal "For Distinction in Guarding the State Border of the USSR"

References

1. Zholobov. Spacefacts.de

External links

• The story of Space Station Mir, David Michael Harland, 2005, page 16
• The official website of the city administration Baikonur - Honorary citizens of Baikonur