# Viktor Gorbatko

> Soviet cosmonaut (1934-2017)

**Wikidata**: [Q348205](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q348205)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viktor_Gorbatko)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/viktor-gorbatko

## Summary
Viktor Gorbatko was a Soviet cosmonaut who served as a crew member on space missions, earning recognition as a Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR and receiving multiple Soviet military and state awards during his career.

## Biography
- Born: 1934-12-03 (December 3, 1934)
- Nationality: Soviet Union (later Russia)
- Education: Educated at Krasnodar Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots and Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy
- Known for: Serving as a cosmonaut on Soviet space missions and receiving multiple honors including the Order of Lenin and the title of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR
- Employer(s): Affiliated with the Soviet space program and later Russian organizations
- Field(s): Cosmonautics, space exploration, military aviation

## Contributions
No specific contributions like publications, products, or patents are mentioned in the source material.

## FAQs
- **Where did Viktor Gorbatko work?** He was affiliated with the Soviet space program and later Russian organizations, including institutions like the Krasnodar Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots and Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy.
- **What was his most significant achievement?** His most notable achievement was serving as a cosmonaut on Soviet space missions and receiving the title of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR.
- **What awards did he receive?** He received multiple Soviet military and state awards including the Order of Lenin, Order of the Red Star, and the Medal "For Distinction in Guarding the State Border of the USSR."

## Why They Matter
Viktor Gorbatko played a significant role in the Soviet space program during its most active period, contributing to the advancement of human spaceflight and representing the Soviet Union in space exploration. His experience and achievements helped advance the understanding of space travel and provided valuable insights into long-duration space missions.

## Notable For
- Received the Order of Lenin, one of the highest decorations awarded by the Soviet Union
- Held the title of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR
- Was awarded the Order of the Red Star and other Soviet military decorations
- Received the Medal "For Distinction in Guarding the State Border of the USSR"
- Was a member of the first group of Soviet cosmonauts selected for space missions
- Earned the Medal "For the Development of Virgin Lands" and other Soviet awards

## Body
### Early Life
Viktor Gorbatko was born on December 3, 1934. He was educated at the Krasnodar Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots and later at the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy. His early career involved military aviation training, which prepared him for his later role as a cosmonaut.

### Career as a Cosmonaut
Gorbatko became a member of the first group of Soviet cosmonauts selected for space missions. He served as a crew member on Soviet space missions, demonstrating his skills as a pilot and space explorer. His work contributed to the advancement of human spaceflight during the Cold War era.

### Space Missions
As a cosmonaut, Gorbatko participated in significant space missions that advanced Soviet space exploration capabilities. His experience in space missions helped develop protocols and procedures for long-duration space travel.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Gorbatko received numerous honors and decorations from the Soviet Union. These included:
- The Order of Lenin, the highest decoration awarded by the Soviet Union
- The Order of the Red Star, a Soviet military award
- The Medal "For Distinction in Guarding the State Border of the USSR"
- The Medal "For the Development of Virgin Lands"
- The title of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR
- The Medal "In Commemoration of the 850th Anniversary of Moscow"
- The Gold Star medal, awarded together with the honorary title "Hero of the Soviet Union"

### Later Life and Legacy
After his space career, Gorbatko continued to serve in various capacities related to the space program and military aviation. He passed away on May 17, 2017. His contributions to Soviet space exploration and his recognition through multiple awards highlight his importance in the history of space travel.

### Affiliations
Gorbatko was affiliated with several institutions throughout his career:
- Krasnodar Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots named after Hero of the Soviet Union A.K. Serov
- Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy
- The Soviet space program and later Russian organizations

### Citizenship
Throughout his career, Gorbatko held Soviet citizenship and later Russian citizenship, reflecting the transition from the Soviet Union to the Russian Federation.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/cosmonauts/english/gorbatko_viktor.htm)
2. [Source](http://www.leesaunders.co.uk/html/global/year/1934.php)
3. [Source](https://pamyat-naroda.ru/heroes/podvig-nagrada_in_kartoteka1561873827/)
4. [Source](https://pamyat-naroda.ru/heroes/podvig-nagrada_in_kartoteka1561873830/)
5. [Source](https://pamyat-naroda.ru/heroes/podvig-nagrada_in_kartoteka1561873829/)
6. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/english/e_first.htm)
7. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
8. Munzinger Personen
9. [Source](http://www.rbc.ru/society/17/05/2017/591bfa619a79470138cff1ff?from=main)
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. Virtual International Authority File