Astronauts Who Fell From Space
The Astronaut who fell from Space, Vladimir Komarov.
On April 24th, 1967, Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov crashed into the ground, becoming the first man to die while on a space mission. His death was a result of the main parachute on his Soyuz 1 descent capsule failing to open. The launch of Soyuz 1 was rushed by Soviet officials who wanted another space achievement for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution.
Despite knowing that the craft was unsafe and ignoring the 203 design faults found during pre-flight check, state officials decided to proceed with the launch. Komarov's flight was to become another Soviet space engineering achievement that could rival the Americans. The ambitious plan involved two Soyuz spacecraft, but the second mission was canceled at the last moment, saving the lives of the crew.
The Life of Vladimir Komarov
Komarov's life and career began as a fighter pilot and later as a test pilot. He was invited to join the new Soviet space program in 1959 and became part of the first Soviet cosmonaut team. Although he did not meet the age or health requirements, he completed cosmonaut training and went on to command the first 3-man mission Voskhod 1 in 1964. When it was time to test the new Soyuz spacecraft, Komarov was recommended by Yuri Gagarin as the pilot. Gagarin was made Komarov's backup, but many historians argue that Gagarin would have never been allowed to fly another space mission. Komarov had no choice but to fly the Soyuz 1, which cost him his life.
The tragic, preventable, and unnecessary death of Komarov deeply shook the cosmonaut corps, the Soviet people, and the world. The Soyuz spacecraft, now the safest vehicle to carry humans into space, was not yet ready for a manned flight at that time. It took 18 months for the Soviet Union to resume manned space flights after the accident.
