Boris Yegorov

The Soviet Union 1964 CPA 3112 stamp (3-men Space Flight of Komarov, Yegorov and Feoktistov. Boris Yegorov (1937-2094), a Soviet physician-cosmonaut)

Boris Yegorov (October 26, 1937 – September 12, 1994) was a Soviet physician and cosmonaut who became the first doctor to make a spaceflight, during the Voskhod 1 mission. His participation in the mission marked a significant milestone in the history of space exploration, as it demonstrated the feasibility of conducting medical experiments in space.

Early Life and Education

Boris Yegorov was born in Moscow, Russia, into a family with a medical background. His father was a well-known doctor, which influenced Yegorov's decision to pursue a career in medicine. He graduated from the First Moscow Medical Institute, now known as the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, where he specialized in otolaryngology.

Career

After completing his education, Yegorov worked at the Institute of Biomedical Problems in Moscow, where he focused on the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body. His research contributed to the understanding of how microgravity affects various physiological systems, including the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.

In 1964, Yegorov was selected as a cosmonaut for the Soviet space program. His selection was part of the Soviet Union's efforts to showcase the versatility and capability of its space program by sending professionals from various fields into space.

Voskhod 1 Mission

On October 12, 1964, Boris Yegorov launched into space aboard Voskhod 1, along with Vladimir Komarov and Konstantin Feoktistov. The mission was historic for several reasons. It was the first spaceflight to carry more than one crew member, and it was the first to include a scientist (Feoktistov) and a physician (Yegorov), marking a shift from purely military personnel to professionals from other fields.

During the flight, Yegorov conducted a series of medical experiments to study the effects of spaceflight on the human body. These experiments included measurements of the crew's biometric data, such as heart rate and blood pressure, and studies on the sensory organs' adaptation to weightlessness. The mission provided valuable data that contributed to the understanding of how the human body adapts to space.

Later Life and Legacy

After his return from space, Yegorov continued his medical career, focusing on space medicine research. He played a significant role in preparing future cosmonauts for the challenges of spaceflight, leveraging his unique experience as both a physician and a cosmonaut.

Boris Yegorov passed away on September 12, 1994, but his contributions to space medicine and his role in the Voskhod 1 mission have left a lasting legacy in the field of space exploration. He is remembered as a pioneer who bridged the gap between medicine and spaceflight, opening the door for future research on the health implications of space travel.

See Also

• Voskhod program
• Space medicine
• List of cosmonauts