Sergei Korolev
Sergei Korolev was a prominent Soviet engineer and spacecraft designer during the Space Age. Born in 1907, Korolev played a crucial role in the early development of Soviet space exploration programs and became known as the father of practical astronautics.
About
Born in 1907, Korolev played a crucial role in the early development of Soviet space exploration programs and became known as the father of practical astronautics. Despite being sent to prison by the Soviet government in the 1930s, Korolev later led the clandestine development of intercontinental ballistic missiles and the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, which was launched in 1957. He then continued to oversee the Soviet Union's space program, including the first successful human spaceflight by Yuri Gagarin in 1961. Despite facing numerous challenges and political setbacks, Korolev's leadership and technical expertise significantly advanced space exploration, making him one of the most influential figures in the history of space technology. He died in 1966, and his contributions continue to be recognized and celebrated today.