Soyuz 39 carries two cosmonauts (one Mongolian) to Salyut 6.

On March 22, 1981, a historic event took place as the Soyuz 39 spacecraft carried two cosmonauts, one of whom was Mongolian, to the Salyut 6 space station. This mission marked an important moment in the collaboration between the Soviet Union and Mongolia in the field of space exploration. Let us dive deeper into this significant event and its implications for space exploration.

The Soyuz 39 mission was part of the Soviet Union’s Intercosmos program, which aimed to establish international cooperation in space exploration. The program provided an opportunity for countries allied with the Soviet Union to participate in manned space flights, conducting scientific experiments and research.

The Mongolian cosmonaut, Jügderdemidiin Gürragchaa, became the first Mongolian citizen to travel to space. This achievement was a matter of great national pride for Mongolia and symbolized their growing scientific capabilities. Gürragchaa, a military pilot and engineer, was selected from a pool of Mongolian Air Force pilots to undergo extensive training for the mission.

Alongside Gürragchaa was the Soviet cosmonaut, Vladimir Dzhanibekov, who served as the commander of the Soyuz 39 mission. Dzhanibekov, a seasoned cosmonaut, had previously been on multiple space missions and was well-versed in the challenges of space travel.

At 2:58 PM Moscow time, the Soyuz 39 spacecraft successfully lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in present-day Kazakhstan. The spacecraft was propelled by the Soyuz-U rocket, a reliable launch vehicle used by the Soviet Union for manned space flights.

The primary objective of the mission was to dock with the Salyut 6 space station, which had been in orbit since September 29, 1977. Docking with the space station would allow the cosmonauts to conduct scientific experiments and carry out necessary maintenance tasks.

After a two-day journey in space, Soyuz 39 successfully docked with the Salyut 6 on March 24, 1981. This marked the beginning of a week-long stay for the cosmonauts aboard the space station. During their time on the Salyut 6, Gürragchaa and Dzhanibekov conducted several experiments related to physics, biology, and Earth observation.

The successful completion of these experiments not only contributed to scientific knowledge but also strengthened the bonds of collaboration between the Soviet Union and Mongolia. It showcased the potential for international cooperation in space exploration during the height of the Cold War.

On March 30, 1981, Soyuz 39 undocked from the Salyut 6 and began its journey back to Earth. The re-entry and landing were executed flawlessly, marking the end of the historic mission. The crew was greeted with celebrations and accolades upon their return, recognizing their significant contributions to space exploration and fostering international relations.

The Soyuz 39 mission serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and highlights the advancements made in space exploration during that era. It was not only a groundbreaking achievement for Mongolia but also showcased the Soviet Union’s commitment to scientific progress and international cooperation.

Today, over four decades after the Soyuz 39 mission, space exploration continues to captivate the world’s imagination. The lessons learned from this mission, including the importance of international collaboration and the pursuit of scientific knowledge, still resonate as we strive to push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe.

the Soyuz 39 mission was a significant event in the history of space exploration, bringing together two nations in their pursuit of scientific progress. The successful mission of the Soyuz 39 spacecraft to the Salyut 6 space station highlighted the achievements of the Intercosmos program and left a lasting legacy for future space missions.