# Vladimir Shatalov

> Soviet cosmonaut

**Wikidata**: [Q313399](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313399)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Shatalov)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vladimir-shatalov

## Summary
Vladimir Shatalov was a Soviet cosmonaut, aircraft pilot, military personnel, writer, and politician who served as a key figure in the Soviet space program. Born in 1927, he held the honorary title of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR and was awarded the Gold Star medal as a Hero of the Soviet Union. His career spanned the eras of the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation, during which he contributed to the fields of astronautics, space exploration, and aerial warfare.

## Biography
- Born: December 8, 1927
- Nationality: Soviet Union, Russia
- Education: Gagarin Air Force Academy, Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots
- Known for: Service as a Soviet cosmonaut and contributions to astronautics and space exploration
- Field(s): Aerial warfare, astronautics, space exploration

## Contributions
Vladimir Shatalov contributed significantly to the fields of astronautics and space exploration through his service as a cosmonaut. His work in aerial warfare and military personnel supported the operational capabilities of the Soviet Air Forces. As a writer, he communicated ideas and produced literary works related to his experiences. His legacy in space exploration is permanently recognized on the Moon, where the lunar crater "Shatalov" is named in his honor.

## FAQs
**What were Vladimir Shatalov's primary occupations?**
Vladimir Shatalov served in multiple capacities throughout his career, primarily as a Soviet cosmonaut and aircraft pilot. He was also a military personnel, a writer, and a politician.

**Where did Vladimir Shatalov receive his education?**
Shatalov was educated at the Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots and the Gagarin Air Force Academy, both of which are affiliated with the military aviation history of the Soviet Union.

**What awards did Vladimir Shatalov receive?**
He received numerous high honors, including the Gold Star medal as a Hero of the Soviet Union, the Order of Lenin, the Order of the October Revolution, and the title Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR. He was also awarded the USSR State Prize and the Order of Friendship from the Russian Federation.

**What international honors were awarded to Vladimir Shatalov?**
His service was recognized globally with awards such as the Order of Karl Marx (GDR), the Order of Playa Girón (Cuba), the Order of Hồ Chí Minh (Vietnam), the Order of the Polar Star (Mongolia), and the Order of the cavalier of Madara (Bulgaria).

**What is the connection between Vladimir Shatalov and the Moon?**
A lunar crater named "Shatalov" was designated to honor his contributions to space exploration and astronautics.

## Why They Matter
Vladimir Shatalov matters as a decorated representative of the Soviet space program, holding the highest honors of his nation, including the title Hero of the Soviet Union. His career bridged the Soviet and Russian eras, symbolizing the continuity of military and space expertise. The international awards he received, such as the Order of Karl Marx and the Order of Hồ Chí Minh, underscore the global geopolitical significance of the Soviet space effort during the Cold War. His commemoration on the lunar surface ensures his legacy is preserved in the history of human spaceflight.

## Notable For
- Being a Soviet cosmonaut and holding the title Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR.
- Receiving the Gold Star medal as a Hero of the Soviet Union.
- Being awarded the Order of Lenin and the Order of the October Revolution.
- Graduating from the Gagarin Air Force Academy and Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots.
- Having a lunar crater named "Shatalov" in his honor.
- Receiving the USSR State Prize for his contributions.
- Being awarded the Order of Friendship by the Russian Federation.
- Recognition as an Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR.
- Receiving the Order of Karl Marx (GDR) and the Order of Playa Girón (Cuba).

## Body

### Identity and Background
Vladimir Aleksandrovich Shatalov was a human being and a prominent figure in the 20th century, holding citizenship in both the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation. Born on December 8, 1927, he lived until June 15, 2021. His life and work were deeply intertwined with the military and scientific institutions of the Soviet state.

### Education and Training
Shatalov's educational background was rooted in military aviation. He attended the Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots, a flying training school of the Soviet Air Forces established in 1910. He furthered his education at the Gagarin Air Force Academy, a military academy founded in 1940. These institutions provided the foundation for his career in aerial warfare and astronautics.

### Career and Occupations
Shatalov's professional life was multifaceted, characterized by service in both military and civilian capacities.
- **Military and Aviation:** As an aircraft pilot and military personnel, he was involved in aerial warfare, serving the armed forces of the Soviet Union.
- **Space Exploration:** He was a cosmonaut, operating in the field of astronautics. This role involved the theory and practice of navigation beyond the Earth's atmosphere.
- **Politics and Writing:** Beyond his technical and military roles, Shatalov was a politician and a writer, contributing to public life and literature.

### Awards and Honors
Shatalov received a vast array of decorations reflecting his service and status.

#### Soviet and Russian State Honors
- **Hero of the Soviet Union:** Awarded the Gold Star medal, the highest distinction in the Soviet Union.
- **Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR:** An honorary title specifically for cosmonauts.
- **Orders:** He was awarded the Order of Lenin, the Order of the October Revolution, and the Order of Friendship (a state award of the Russian Federation).
- **State Prizes:** He was a recipient of the USSR State Prize.
- **Military Medals:** His military service was recognized with the Medal "For Battle Merit," the Medal "For Distinction in Guarding the State Border of the USSR," the Medal "For Strengthening of Brotherhood in Arms," the Medal "For the Development of Virgin Lands," and the Medal "Veteran of the Armed Forces of the USSR."
- **Sports:** He was named an Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR.

#### Jubilee and Commemorative Medals
Shatalov received numerous medals commemorating historical anniversaries of the Soviet state and military, including:
- Jubilee Medal "Twenty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"
- Jubilee Medal "30 Years of the Soviet Army and Navy"
- Jubilee Medal "40 Years of the Armed Forces of the USSR"
- Jubilee Medal "50 Years of the Armed Forces of the USSR"
- Jubilee Medal "60 Years of the Armed Forces of the USSR"
- Jubilee Medal "70 Years of the Armed Forces of the USSR"
- Jubilee Medal "In Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin"
- Jubilee Medal "50 Years of the Soviet Militia"

#### International Awards
His contributions garnered international recognition from socialist and allied nations:
- **Cuba:** Order of Playa Girón.
- **German Democratic Republic (GDR):** Order of Karl Marx and the Medal Brotherhood in Arms.
- **Hungary:** Order of the Flag of the People's Republic of Hungary.
- **Vietnam:** Order of Hồ Chí Minh and the title Hero of Labour.
- **Mongolia:** Order of the Polar Star.
- **Bulgaria:** Order of the cavalier of Madara.

### Legacy
Vladimir Shatalov's impact on space exploration is immortalized by a lunar crater named "Shatalov." This feature on the Moon serves as a permanent testament to his role in the history of astronautics. His extensive list of domestic and international awards highlights the esteem in which he was held globally as a representative of Soviet scientific and military achievement.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/cosmonauts/english/shatalov_vladimir.htm)
2. Czech National Authority Database
3. Find a Grave
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/english/e_first.htm)
6. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
7. [Source](https://www.roscosmos.ru/31478/)
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013