# Toktar Aubakirov

> Soviet cosmonaut

**Wikidata**: [Q468258](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q468258)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toktar_Aubakirov)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/toktar-aubakirov

## Summary
Toktar Aubakirov is a Kazakhstani cosmonaut and former Soviet test pilot who became the first person from Kazakhstan to travel to space in 1991. He is recognized for his contributions to space exploration, military aviation, and national leadership in aerospace, having been honored with numerous awards including Hero of the Soviet Union and Hero of Kazakhstan.

## Biography
- Born: July 27, 1946, in Karkaraly District
- Nationality: Soviet Union (until 1991), Kazakhstan (from 1991)
- Education: Moscow Aviation Institute, Fedotov Test Pilot School
- Known for: Being the first Kazakhstani cosmonaut and completing two missions aboard Soyuz spacecraft
- Employer(s): Soviet Air Force, Russian Federal Space Agency, Kazakhstan National Space Agency
- Field(s): Aerospace engineering, astronautics, military aviation, politics

## Contributions
Toktar Aubakirov made significant contributions to space exploration and aerospace development. His most notable achievements include:
- Participation in two manned space missions: Soyuz TM-12 and Soyuz TM-13, spending a total of 190 hours and 12 minutes in space.
- Serving as a research cosmonaut and test pilot, contributing to the certification of new aerospace technologies and procedures.
- Advancing national space policy through his role in the Kazakhstan National Space Agency and as a political figure in aerospace-related governance.

## FAQs
**What missions did Toktar Aubakirov fly in space?**  
Toktar Aubakirov flew aboard two Soyuz missions: Soyuz TM-12 and Soyuz TM-13. These missions were conducted under the Intercosmos program and marked his historic role as the first Kazakhstani in space.

**Where was Toktar Aubakirov educated?**  
He studied at the Moscow Aviation Institute and later attended the Fedotov Test Pilot School, both of which are prestigious institutions in aerospace training.

**What awards has Toktar Aubakirov received?**  
Aubakirov has been honored with multiple awards including Hero of the Soviet Union, Hero of Kazakhstan, the Order of Lenin, the Order of the October Revolution, and the Merited Test Pilot of the USSR title, among others.

**What is Toktar Aubakirov’s role in Kazakhstan’s space program?**  
He played a foundational role in Kazakhstan's space program, contributing to its early development and serving in leadership roles that helped shape national aerospace policy.

**What is Toktar Aubakirov’s military rank?**  
He holds the rank of Major General in the Soviet Air Force, reflecting his distinguished service as a military aviator and test pilot.

## Why They Matter
Toktar Aubakirov’s journey to space marked a pivotal moment in Central Asian space exploration, as he became the first citizen of Kazakhstan to venture into orbit. His missions not only symbolized national pride but also laid the groundwork for Kazakhstan’s future in space science and technology. As a bridge between Soviet-era achievements and the emerging national space initiatives of Kazakhstan, Aubakirov influenced both policy and public engagement in aerospace. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of Kazakhstani scientists and astronauts.

## Notable For
- First person from Kazakhstan to travel to space (1991)
- Recipient of the Hero of the Soviet Union award, the highest honor in the USSR
- Recipient of the Hero of Kazakhstan award, the nation’s highest civilian honor
- Member of the Soyuz TM-12 and TM-13 missions, accumulating 190 hours and 12 minutes in space
- Only cosmonaut to represent Kazakhstan during the final years of the Soviet Union
- Trained at Moscow Aviation Institute and Fedotov Test Pilot School
- Awarded the Merited Test Pilot of the USSR title
- Recognized with the Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration" by the Russian Federation
- Served as a Major General in the Soviet Air Force
- Honored on a postage stamp issued by the Republic of Kazakhstan in 1996

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Toktar Aubakirov was born on July 27, 1946, in Karkaraly District, Kazakhstan. He pursued his higher education at the Moscow Aviation Institute, one of the most prestigious aerospace engineering institutions in the Soviet Union. He later attended the Fedotov Test Pilot School, where he trained as a military aviator and test pilot, specializing in the evaluation of new aircraft systems.

### Career in Aerospace and Military Service
Aubakirov began his professional career in 1976, serving in the Soviet Air Force as a military aviator. He quickly rose through the ranks and was recognized for his expertise in test piloting, eventually earning the title of Merited Test Pilot of the USSR in 1990. His military rank reached that of Major General, reflecting his distinguished service in aviation.

### Space Missions and Contributions
Aubakirov made history as the first Kazakhstani to travel to space, flying aboard two missions:
- **Soyuz TM-12** (launched in 1991) — a joint mission with Austria and France under the Intercosmos program.
- **Soyuz TM-13** (launched in 1991) — a mission that further solidified his role as a pioneering cosmonaut.

These missions contributed over 190 hours in space, making him one of the most experienced cosmonauts of his time. His role as a research cosmonaut involved conducting scientific experiments and testing new aerospace technologies.

### Political and Institutional Roles
Beyond his technical contributions, Aubakirov played a role in shaping Kazakhstan’s national aerospace policy. He was involved with the Kazakhstan National Space Agency and contributed to the development of the Baikonur Cosmodrome’s continued operations post-Soviet Union. His political engagement included advisory roles in national science and technology initiatives.

### Honors and Recognition
Aubakirov’s achievements have been recognized through numerous awards:
- **Hero of the Soviet Union** (1988)
- **Hero of Kazakhstan** (1995)
- **Order of Lenin** (1988)
- **Order of the October Revolution** (1991)
- **Order of the Badge of Honour** (1981)
- **Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR** (1991)
- **Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration"** (2011)
- **Order of Fatherland** (1995)
- **Honour in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria** (1993)

### Legacy and Cultural Impact
Aubakirov’s legacy is commemorated in multiple ways:
- Featured on a Kazakhstani postage stamp in 1996.
- Honored in biographical entries and educational materials in multiple languages.
- Recognized as a symbol of national pride in Kazakhstan, particularly in the context of space exploration.

His influence extends beyond his missions, shaping the trajectory of space science in Central Asia and inspiring future generations of Kazakhstani astronauts and engineers.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/english/e_first.htm)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013