Kazakhstan Celebrates 35th Anniversary of Toktar Aubakirov’s Historic Spaceflight
On October 2, Kazakhstan commemorates the 35th anniversary of Toktar Aubakirov’s groundbreaking journey into space, making him the first Kazakh to achieve this milestone and paving the way for the country’s role in space exploration.
Historic Flight Details
Aubakirov’s mission took place in 1991 when he launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome aboard the Soyuz TM-13 spacecraft. He was accompanied by Soviet cosmonaut Alexander Volkov and Austrian researcher Franz Viehböck. The crew’s destination was the Mir space station, where Aubakirov conducted scientific research during his week-long stay, returning to Earth on October 10.
This mission was politically and technically significant, symbolizing the first journey of national representatives from both Kazakhstan and Austria into space. The crew’s unique composition showcased an international collaboration, with Aubakirov and Viehböck participating as research cosmonauts under the command of Volkov.
Mission Preparations
Aubakirov’s preparation spanned five months, building upon his experience as a test pilot. From May to July 1991, he trained as a research cosmonaut alongside Valery Korzun and Alexander Alexandrov, initially preparing for a mission scheduled for November. However, logistical constraints led to his inclusion in the Soviet-Austrian crew for the Austromir-91 program.
Scientific Contributions
During the mission, Aubakirov completed five scientific experiments, including studies on sandstorms in the Aral Sea and medical research on biological behaviors in microgravity. Additionally, the crew tested specialized food products for space travel, incorporating traditional Kazakh dishes such as airan and irimshik.
Aubakirov initially hesitated to accept his role as a cosmonaut but eventually embraced the opportunity. He described witnessing Earth from orbit as an extraordinary experience: “I saw the Earth… It was an indescribable sight. I was amazed by such beauty.”
Political Context and Legacy
Aubakirov’s flight coincided with Kazakhstan’s significant political changes. Just two months after the mission, on December 16, 1991, Kazakhstan declared its independence from the Soviet Union. Earlier, on August 31, 1991, Kazakhstan claimed ownership of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, marking the start of its national space initiatives.
Continuing Impact on Space Research
Over three decades later, Toktar Aubakirov remains actively involved in discussions about Kazakhstan’s space endeavors. In 2025, he participated in the completion of the SANA-1 project, a long-duration crew-isolation experiment aimed at simulating space mission conditions. This project focused on the physiological and emotional adaptation of an all-female engineering crew and highlights Kazakhstan’s growing scientific potential.
Reflecting on his involvement, Aubakirov noted, “Space, as a boundless, bottomless and endless expanse, offers great opportunities to study our past and, most importantly, our future.” His ongoing contributions underscore Kazakhstan’s commitment to advancing its space research capabilities.
