Korolev Sergey Pavlovich

Sergey Pavlovich Korolev is a Soviet scientist and designer of rocket and space systems, a key figure in space exploration, one of the founders of practical cosmonautics. In official documents of the USSR, he was called "Chief Designer."

Early years and education

Born on January 12, 1907 in Zhytomyr (Volyn province, Russian Empire) in a family of teachers.
He spent his childhood in Nizhyn and Kiev, studied in Odessa.
His stepfather, technological engineer Grigory Mikhailovich Balanin, had a great influence on Korolev's interests: he introduced him to technology and aircraft modeling.
In 1924, he entered the Kiev Polytechnic Institute (aviation department).
In 1926, he transferred to the Moscow Higher Technical College (now Bauman Moscow State Technical University), from which he graduated in 1930 with a degree in aeronautical engineering. Andrey Tupolev was the head of his graduation project (SK‑4 light aircraft).

The beginning of an engineering career

In the late 1920s, he became interested in jet technology.
He became one of the organizers of the Jet Propulsion Research Group (GIRD), the first structure in the USSR for the systematic development of liquid—fueled rockets.
Together with Valentin Glushko, he developed the experimental guided cruise missile 212 (the first flight was on January 29, 1939).

Repression

In 1938, he was arrested by the NKVD on false charges of counterrevolutionary activities and sabotage.
Under pressure from the investigation (including physical ones), he signed confessions.
He was sentenced to 10 years in forced labor camps; he served part of his sentence in Kolyma.
He was released early in 1944 without rehabilitation; he was rehabilitated in 1957 "for lack of evidence of a crime."

Work at OKB‑1 and main achievements

In 1950, he became the head of the Special Design Bureau No. 1 (OKB‑1), which later became RSC Energia named after S. P. Korolev. Created under his leadership:

The R‑1 ballistic missile (1948);
medium‑range ballistic missile R-5 (1953);
The R‑11FM missile from a submarine (1955);
The R‑7 intercontinental ballistic missile (1957) is the basis for space launches.

Key space projects:

launch of the first artificial Earth satellite (Sputnik‑1, 1957);
organization of the flight of the first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin on the Vostok spacecraft (April 12, 1961);
managing the programs of the first multi-seat flight and the first human spacewalk.

Awards and titles

twice Hero of Socialist Labor (1956, 1961);
Order of Lenin (three times);
The Order of the Badge of Honor;
Lenin Prize (1957);
Academician of the USSR Academy of Sciences (1958);
Honorary citizen of the cities of Korolev, Kaluga and Baikonur.

Last years and death

He died on January 14, 1966, during surgery (complications related to the effects of injuries sustained in custody).
He was buried in the Kremlin Wall on Red Square in Moscow (January 18, 1966).

Heritage

Korolev's ideas formed the basis of many modern space programs. The Soyuz family of rockets inherited the R‑7 architecture: the central block and side boosters. His contribution made the USSR an advanced rocket and space power and opened the way for mankind to explore space.