# Alexey Leonov

> Soviet pilot and cosmonaut, first human to conduct a spacewalk (1934-2019)

**Wikidata**: [Q154269](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q154269)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexei_Leonov)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alexey-leonov

## Summary
Alexey Leonov was a Soviet pilot and cosmonaut, best known as the first human to conduct a spacewalk. Born in 1934 and active until his death in 2019, he was a pioneering figure in Soviet astronautics, earning numerous honors for his contributions to space exploration.

## Biography
- Born: May 30, 1934
- Nationality: Soviet Union, Russia
- Education: Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy
- Known for: First human spacewalk (1965)
- Employer(s): Soviet space program
- Field(s): Astronautics, space exploration

## Contributions
- Conducted the first human spacewalk during the Voskhod 2 mission in 1965, exiting the spacecraft for 12 minutes to retrieve film canisters.
- Served as a cosmonaut in the first group of Soviet cosmonauts, selected in 1960.
- Received multiple awards, including the Hero of the Soviet Union, Order of Lenin, and Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR.

## FAQs
**What was Alexey Leonov's most famous achievement?**
Alexey Leonov is best known for being the first human to conduct a spacewalk during the Voskhod 2 mission in 1965, exiting the spacecraft for 12 minutes to retrieve film canisters.

**Where was Alexey Leonov educated?**
He attended the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy, a key institution for training Soviet cosmonauts and pilots.

**What awards did Alexey Leonov receive?**
He was honored with the Hero of the Soviet Union, Order of Lenin, Order of the Red Star, and the Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR title, among others.

**What was Alexey Leonov's role in the Soviet space program?**
He was a cosmonaut in the first group of Soviet cosmonauts, selected in 1960, and participated in the Voskhod 2 mission, which marked a significant milestone in space exploration.

## Why They Matter
Alexey Leonov's spacewalk during Voskhod 2 was a groundbreaking achievement that demonstrated the feasibility of extravehicular activity in space. His work paved the way for future spacewalks and advanced Soviet space exploration. His contributions to astronautics remain a key milestone in human spaceflight history.

## Notable For
- First human to conduct a spacewalk (1965).
- Hero of the Soviet Union (1965).
- Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR (1961).
- Order of Lenin (1965).
- Order of the Red Star (1965).
- Multiple Soviet military and space exploration awards.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Alexey Leonov was born on May 30, 1934, in the Soviet Union. He attended the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy, where he trained as a pilot and engineer, preparing for a career in Soviet astronautics.

### Career in Soviet Astronautics
Leonov was selected as a cosmonaut in the first group of Soviet cosmonauts in 1960. He served as a pilot and engineer, contributing to the development of Soviet spaceflight technology.

### Voskhod 2 Mission
In 1965, Leonov participated in the Voskhod 2 mission, during which he conducted the first human spacewalk. Exiting the spacecraft for 12 minutes, he retrieved film canisters, demonstrating the feasibility of extravehicular activity in space.

### Awards and Recognition
Leonov received numerous awards for his contributions, including the Hero of the Soviet Union, Order of Lenin, and Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR title. He was also honored with the Order of the Red Star and other Soviet military decorations.

### Legacy
Alexey Leonov's spacewalk remains a significant milestone in space exploration, influencing future missions and advancements in astronautics. His work continues to be studied and celebrated as a key achievement in human spaceflight history.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.france24.com/en/20191011-first-man-to-conduct-spacewalk-alexei-leonov-dies)
2. BnF authorities
3. Czech National Authority Database
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6. [Source](http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=222168)
7. [Source](http://www.jpost.com/National-News/First-man-to-walk-in-space-meets-Peres)
8. [Source](http://wikipedia.unicefuganda.org/latest/A/Alexey%20Leonov.html)
9. [Source](https://www.nmspacemuseum.org/inductee/alexei-a-leonov/)
10. [Space Pioneers Enshrined. Las Vegas Optic. 1976](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/29967024/las_vegas_optic/)
11. International Standard Name Identifier
12. Virtual International Authority File
13. CiNii Research
14. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/english/e_first.htm)
15. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
16. filmportal.de
17. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
18. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
19. [Source](http://en.roscosmos.ru/21012/)
20. [Source](https://www.roscosmos.ru/26923/)
21. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
22. Integrated Authority File
23. [Alexei Leonov | For All Mankind Wiki | Fandom](https://for-all-mankind.fandom.com/wiki/Alexei_Leonov)