Libmonster ID: U.S.-1870
Author(s) of the publication: E. A. KARPOV

Major General of the Medical Service E. A. Karpov *

The news of the first human spaceflight told the planet about the outstanding victory of reason over the forces of nature. Over the past ten years, many manned flights have been completed. However, all the new successes in space occur after that memorable April day when a spacecraft piloted by cosmonaut Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin was launched into orbit in the Soviet Union. The first orbital flight of a man-the messenger of the country of socialism-reflected the high level and powerful potential of Russian science, technology, industry and the rockets and aircraft they create, and also showed the courage and skill of Soviet cosmonauts - pioneers of space navigation. It took years of hard work of Soviet scientists, design engineers, technicians, workers, thousands of hours of special training for future space explorers before the Vostok spacecraft with Yuri Gagarin on board went on a round - the-world trip-an orbital flyby of the Earth. Many problems had to be solved in the process of preparing astronauts for flights. It is impossible to list all of them. It is extremely important, for example, to provide life support for the crew of an aircraft - creating the necessary habitat in it.

In the cockpit of a spacecraft, as well as in any of its habitable compartments or in a spacesuit, an environment must be provided that would not only guarantee the preservation of human vital functions, but also the necessary human performance during the entire flight. The development of technical systems and devices that allow humans to live and work in space was carried out in close collaboration with designers, engineers, flight training methodologists and specialists in aviation and space medicine. A wide range of research and development activities that were carried out in the 40s-50s and were aimed at studying the specific factors and conditions of aviation, and then space flight, to work out the requirements for life support systems, protection and rescue of the crew, as well as to optimize its activities in flight, - showed It is clear that performance in any flight depends largely on the correct selection and full-fledged training of pilots or cosmonauts. It is no coincidence that aviation medicine specialists took part in the development of the national space research program from the very first flights of experimental rockets. The author of these memoirs, an aviation psychophysiologist, has been involved in this kind of research since 1958. Together with his colleagues, he had to carry out a set of measures to ensure the selection and training of the first Soviet cosmonauts.

A large team of experienced specialists was engaged in the implementation of this fundamentally new and difficult task. Going back to those days that seem to be recent, but have now become history, when the first human spaceflight was being prepared, you remember people who directly or indirectly participated in this huge and complex matter. However, when you start replaying the events of more than a decade ago in your memory, you involuntarily first of all remember that it was in connection with

* At the time described, Evgeny A. Karpov was the head of the Cosmonaut Training Center.

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Sergey Pavlovich Korolev, an outstanding organizer, talented designer, enthusiast and innovator, whose life and daily work are inseparable from the history of the formation and development of rocket and space technology and cosmonautics in our country, spoke about this or that event. A few words about how I met Academician S. P. Korolev. At the beginning of 1959, a meeting was held that somewhat resembled a council preceding an offensive in the main direction. The meeting brought together prominent representatives of many areas of Russian science, various ministries and departments, who had to outline guidelines and plans for the deployment of a direct set of works that ensure the preparation of the first human spaceflight. A citizen of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was the first to experience the effects of cosmic speeds and go out to storm the space expanses. Here, on this forum, I was lucky enough to not only see but also hear Academician S. P. Korolev for the first time. From those who knew him personally, I have often heard colorful descriptions of this man's appearance. A concrete image had long been formed in my mind, and when the opportunity finally presented itself, I recognized S. P. Korolev at a glance. He was talking animatedly to several other people, adding to the sounds of his deep, throaty voice with clear and precise gestures. He did not smoke and openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the "kurtsy", of which there were many around. His external appearance testified to the great inner strength of this apparently physically strong man, about his will, determination and firmness. Those gathered at the meeting talked about the specialist who, after a relatively short preparation, would be able to successfully step into space, or rather, cope with what a person will encounter on a space flight. After the speeches of many participants of the meeting, the chairman (Academician M. V. Keldysh) turned to Sergey Pavlovich and asked him to express his opinion.

- One gets the impression that individual judgments themselves add up to a single point of view. Mstislav Vsevolodovich asked the representatives of the Air Force present here: "Are pilots preparing for space flight?" - really not accidental. The most suitable contingent, in my opinion, is aviation. These are pilots... - Then Sergey Pavlovich convincingly explained why the choice falls on pilots, " although brave and persistent people,"he said," are everywhere." In order to become a full-fledged cosmonaut in a short time, the qualities that are developed in a person by "earth specialties" are still not enough. He gave examples when an astronaut will have to accurately and instantly navigate the situation, without which it is impossible to correctly and timely control the ship and its onboard systems. These examples showed the need for astronauts to get into the habit of working in difficult and sometimes emergency flight conditions. The academician reminded that the first commanders of spaceships should have broad versatility in performing functional duties, because they will have to go on a long journey alone.

- For such a case, a pilot is most suitable, first of all a fighter pilot. This is the universal specialist. He is a pilot, navigator, signalman, and flight engineer. And being a career military man, he also has such necessary qualities for the future cosmonaut as concentration, discipline and an unyielding desire to achieve the goal set.

This was how the springboard of the original profession was determined. Further, at the meeting, also with the active participation of Sergey Pavlovich, the main principles for selecting the first cosmonaut training group were outlined. At the same time, it was decided to pay great attention to the ideological conviction, moral fortitude, deep consciousness, general intellectual breadth and physical endurance of candidates for the number of space pioneers. Sergey Pavlovich, referring to the question of what the health status of a future cosmonaut should be, stressed: "It is necessary to choose pilots who would not only successfully cope with the impact of a complex of flight factors, but also creatively complete the flight task, including the elimination of emergency situations."

The selection process was based on the experience of medical and flight commissions in the medical selection and re-examination of aviation flight personnel, as well as the practice of aviation specialists.-

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training of doctors to monitor flight personnel in the process of combat training. A group of specialists and doctors were assigned to develop a specific plan for the selection and training of future cosmonauts. It was soon to be implemented, informing the President of the USSR Academy of Sciences and the Chief Designer of Vostok about practical steps.

The meeting was ending. Like most of the participants, Sergey Pavlovich was in a very good, upbeat, cheerful mood. On the way, he joked and, in particular, advised doctors to test each sample or method intended for future cosmonauts in advance personally on him. His optimism and deep belief in the success of the business he started were inexhaustible and infected everyone who worked with him. I soon became convinced that, despite being extremely busy, Sergey Pavlovich found time and was able to understand the people around him, selecting for himself numerous loyal and reliable assistants.

Among the cherished souvenirs that eventually become relics, there is one that recalls the first visit of aviators selected to prepare for a space flight to the enterprise where the Vostok manned spacecraft was being created and was nearing completion in the spring of 1960. This is where the first acquaintance of the Technical Director, Academician S. P. Korolev, with the six students-cosmonauts, the vanguard of future pioneers of space navigation, took place. This souvenir is a small flat box, inside of which two stainless steel pentahedrons lay on blue velvet with the embossed coat of arms of our state and the words: "USSR", "September, 1959". On the inside of the box lid is a black-and-white photograph of a physical map of the Moon, and on it, between the craters of Archimedes and Aristide, on the western edge of the Sea of Rain, is drawn a tiny flag of bright red color, indicating the place of the lunar landing of the first spacecraft that delivered our Soviet pennant to the Earth's satellite in September 1959. The future cosmonauts and a group of mentors and supervisors of their training were shown to a large and bright office on the second floor. While waiting for Sergey Pavlovich, we look closely at the situation of the church of rocket science. A long table covered with a light chocolate-colored cloth, several dozen semi-soft chairs of the same color on both sides, and a sofa and two armchairs between the windows. Above the sofa in the framework - diplomas-decrees on awarding the enterprise with the highest orders of the Soviet Union. On the wall, opposite the windows, there is a solid curtain, gathered up by waves. In one corner of the office is a huge globe on a rollable stand, in the other-a fan palm tree in a wooden tub. At the far window is a small desk. Next to it is a compact remote control with several telephones, many buttons and toggle switches. Above the table is a striking portrait of the founder of cosmonautics K. E. Tsiolokovsky. Under the ceiling - a few strict style chandeliers, and on the walls - the same sconces. Beige-brown tones predominate in all the decoration, giving the office a special severity and simplicity. Exactly at the appointed time, Sergei Pavlovich entered the office from the door leading to the workroom located next to it. He was wearing a dark gray suit with a matching woolen knit shirt. With his characteristic manner, I would say a little bearish, he would shake hands with all the guests and give them a big shake in return. Repeating the last name, first name, and patronymic of the young officers who presented themselves to him in turn in their well-fitting army aviation uniforms, Sergey Pavlovich looked at each of them's faces and added: "I'm very glad. We'll get to know each other. Korolev".

After introducing his closest deputies and assistants to the guests and seating them all at a large table, he addressed the cosmonauts:

- Today is a significant day. You have come to us to see the first manned spacecraft that you will have to master. And for the first time, we are hosting the main testers of our manned products. He glanced around the room, all of them with solemn smiles on their faces, and continued: "But before we show you the ship, let's dream out loud for a while. You will soon see for yourself how much this helps our cause...

The academician spoke simply and very fascinatingly about what has already been achieved in rocket science. And then his thought takes the listeners to the future: here are the giant ones

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rockets put blocks of starships into orbit, which, finding their specific shapes and equipment there, then turn into huge space stations in stationary orbits, then fly away with a second cosmic speed, like comets, to various planets of the solar system. On these space objects, all conditions are created for the life and work of a large number of people, to whom the founder of the theory of interplanetary communications, K. E. Tsiolkovsky, bequeathed: "To conquer the universe for the benefit of humanity, to conquer space and the energy emitted by the Sun."

- Well, in the meantime, everything is very modest: only one person will fly, and only to a three-hundred-kilometer orbit, and only at the first cosmic speed. But one of you will fly, " says Sergey Pavlovich firmly. "Anyone can be the first.

Sergey Pavlovich invites everyone to the workshop, and the group follows him. In a huge hall that resembles both a huge operating room and a greenhouse, people are busy around silver-white two-and-a-half-meter balloons and inside them. All of them are wearing snow-white robes. Spherical products stand on special stands and stretch in two long rows. Everything is immaculately clean, flowers are visible in the central and side aisles of the workshop, colorful banners and posters are on the walls.

"So that's what it's like, the holy of holies, where the Vostoki are born," says one of the startled aviators.

"Well, you see, it's not the gods who make pots," says the academician. "They won't be burned by the gods," he says, nodding at the pilots. "Now take a good look. You need to fly this technique.

We get closer to one of the silvery beauties and surround him. With interest, each of the future astronauts strokes the glittering surface of the outer thermal insulation with his hand, as if trying to answer the question: will this not-so-thick layer of mysterious material withstand the thermal tests of a real flight? After all, the ship will be hit by thousands of degrees of temperature loads that occur when braking a ship (lander) crashing into the atmosphere at cosmic speed.

"Don't worry," the master standing next to them says, as if guessing their thoughts, " everything has been done conscientiously.

Sergei Pavlovich gave a sign - and a powerful crane-beam glided silently under the glass roof of the workshop, and a few minutes later the pilot's seat, which was somewhere nearby, was installed in the cockpit of the spacecraft... When the first acquaintance of the future cosmonauts with the ship ended, Sergey Pavlovich, satisfied with everything that was happening, again invited the guests to the office and in memory of this meeting presented them with souvenirs - boxes with five - sided medals.

A few months later, on a warm sunny day in the early summer of 1960, S. P. Korolev visited the Cosmonaut Training Center. He was interested in the beginning training of students-cosmonauts on the training model-simulator of the spacecraft and how the Star City is laid and created. At that time, we were deeply involved in the educational and training process of mastering the full cosmonaut training program to the limit. It is hard to imagine how we would have coped with such a difficult task if there had not been a number of dedicated specialists from many related institutions and organizations. All of them worked together with us actively, solving thousands of large and small tasks that determined the timeliness and reliability of training the first flight of astronauts. Among the "subcontractors" were also specialists of the enterprise, which was headed by Sergey Pavlovich. A familiar car approached, and we met a dear guest. The chief designer was in a good mood. Accompanied by our specialists, he immediately began the examination. Sergey Pavlovich carefully and passionately examined laboratories, classrooms, installations, stands, and equipment. He was interested in everything. The closest attention, as we expected, was drawn to the training spacecraft. Here, all the necessary orders were given to representatives who had not "left" the Star City for a long time. The inspection was coming to an end. Our specialists, who were in charge of various sections of training, have already gathered in a large class. The conversation continues.

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"It's not bad at first," says the academician. "Not just for starters. And then what to do? Will the first flights pass, and then start all over again, but for the second series of flights? - He explains that the construction of the Cosmonaut Training Center should be carried out with a justified breadth, feeling the perspective. We need to immediately develop preparations for multi-seat flights, and we need to take care of training the crews of multi-seat ships.

- We are already seriously thinking and doing a lot to ensure that such equipment will soon appear. So it's time for you to think about preparing for flights on it. - He advises us to build new laboratories and better equip our work with modern equipment. - Without successful "groundwork" of the necessary move forward will not work. We have a lot of work ahead of us, dear comrades. And the further you go, the more and more work will be done.

After the so-called business part, Sergey Pavlovich met with future cosmonauts. The academician asked the young pilots about their new work and life. After listening carefully to each of them, he himself told them something interesting from his life. When Sergey Pavlovich said good-bye, he said::

- You are a wonderful people! With you ready in fire and water, and not that in space orbit. Today I myself managed to recharge from your youthful enthusiasm. Whether it will still be when we start flying! However, we need a lot of work and a wide scope!

Future cosmonauts step by step persistently and consistently mastered the training program, which was "tied" to the capabilities of the first manned spacecraft and a specific first flight task. They conscientiously performed a wide range of special activities and trainings, which increased the level of general stability and specific resistance of the body to the factors of space flight. The pilots had already understood the design features of both the aircraft itself and its numerous onboard systems, and now they were keenly monitoring the progress of testing and improvements to individual components. They also delved into the essence of the huge service of ground control points for the flight of a space object. Future cosmonauts saw firsthand the fundamental nature of all the research, testing and development that preceded the bold intention of man to escape from the embrace of Earth's gravity.

Flights of artificial automatic satellites and manned spaceships with animals on board, a number of research projects conducted in laboratory conditions, as well as many other things, now became clear links in a single chain for astronauts. At the same time, each such link occupied a strictly defined, assigned place in the logically inextricably linked space research program, visibly approaching the hour of the most important thing in which they were to actively participate. Future spacecraft pilots were also well aware that the most important task in the first space flights would be a practical test and evaluation of human capabilities to conduct useful work in space.

All the work on the Vostok project was developing successfully. And suddenly, in December 1960, when another manned spacecraft was launched into orbit around the Earth with two mongrels (Bee and Fly), the unexpected happened. Descending along a very steep trajectory, the lander ceased to exist when entering the dense layers of the atmosphere... Given that this series of flights with four-legged scouts was carried out precisely along the space route that was being prepared for human flight, this first failure upset everyone very much. Yes, and it happened at the most inopportune time, when the astronauts, using the terminology of sports, went to the last straight line. Everyone understood that failure could cause an undesirable resonance.

Our colleagues from the company headed by S. P. Korolev told us that the Chief Designer's heart was heavy. The cosmonauts decided to see Sergey Pavlovich. During the meeting, a conversation took place, during which they asked the academician not to be upset, since even on reliably mastered aircraft, unexpected accidents sometimes occur. Well, as for the four-legged scouts, so, they say, a mongrel is also a mongrel in space. It wouldn't have happened to a human.

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"If the automatic weapons fail," Yuri Gagarin said, " we'll take up manual control.

"I thought so, I knew... "Thank you," replied Sergey Pavlovich. And not so much for moral support, but for faith in our common cause and dedication to it.

In order to increase the safety of the planned human flight, after regular improvements to the main systems of the Vostok spacecraft, the fourth habitable satellite was launched into orbit on March 9, 1961. It contained: Chernushka the dog, guinea pigs, mice, frogs and some other experimental representatives of biological species. When, after completing a revolution around the Earth, the lander with a small menagerie on it landed safely in the calculated area and the flight results convincingly confirmed the reliability of the rocket and space complex and landing control systems, pilots from the cosmonaut training group and some specialists, mainly young people, began to advocate for starting a human flight as soon as possible. However, more experienced specialists and, above all, members of the State Commission, which had already been functioning for a long time, remained adamant in their intention to conduct another "clean" launch of a manned satellite ship. Among those who defended the need for another launch were academicians M. V. Keldysh, S. P. Korolev and others. One of the first Heroes of the Soviet Union, well - known throughout the country, Lieutenant-General of Aviation Nikolai Petrovich Kamanin, was among the supporters of this additional check. It was decided to conduct another "sighting" flight and invite future cosmonauts to this launch. The spaceport made a huge impression on them. "I wanted to go bare - headed," Yuri Gagarin later recalled. Before the launch of the satellite ship, on which the dog Asterisk was to go on a flight, there were several days left. Specialists of the cosmodrome were instructed to familiarize the guests with the launch complex, the observation point of space objects in flight and a number of other services of the cosmodrome.

The pilots looked with delight at the huge construction of the launch pad. Openwork trusses of the ground part for tens of meters rushed into the sky, while many services to ensure the launch of a giant rocket for several floors are hidden underground. And what are the mirrors of antennas and the smartest equipment at the observation point? During the inspection, Sergey Pavlovich carefully observed the aviators. It was obvious that the academician liked the curiosity of young associates. Amazed by the grandiosity of the spectacle, which was accompanied by a flurry of fire and a roar, the future astronauts enthusiastically shared their impressions among themselves. The launch of the rocket that carried the ship with an Asterisk into the sky was successful. Sergei Pavlovich came up unnoticed. And although the assessment of this event by those present at the launch was more than clear to him, he still slyly asked:

"How was the launch?" - And here he himself, as if suggesting the answer, asked again: "First class?"

Later we learned that this was how he asked and pronounced "first" when he was very happy with something himself.

Vying with each other, the young officers spoke enthusiastically about the rocket.

"Very soon, my friends, we will see off one of you to space in the same way," the academician said, shaking his head. Then he added, " Don't worry, everyone's got enough to do. Flights are just beginning, and all of you will be the first, but only each in something fundamentally new, his own.

Two weeks later, the vanguard group of well-prepared pilots for the first space flight again arrived at the spaceport. Now they have already come here to directly participate in a big, responsible business. German Titov jokingly once said about this in the words of A. S. Pushkin: "There were a lot of us on the shuttle..." The state commission now had to approve the first cosmonaut and assign him a backup. The spaceport command took care of the good placement of space travelers. The hotel was located in a cozy two-story house on the river bank, with a small courtyard where only recently planted trees and shrubs. There was a lot of work to do, and the guys were completely absorbed in the so-called "little things". Sergey Pavlovich visited them several times. He asked about everything, delved into everything. In private, he asked me to strictly protect the astronauts.

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- Do not allow those who teach or those who study to be too zealous. You, doctors, stand for the fact that the pilot went to the flight in the best possible shape. So please act as you should. - And then jokingly added: - Fortunately, now your, medical, power reigns here...

Sergey Pavlovich said that the State Commission approved our proposal to place the ship's commander and his understudy for the pre-launch day and pre-launch night in a cabin located near the assembly building, where the launch vehicle and spacecraft are tested, as well as near the launch site, where fully equipped cosmonauts are to be delivered. After offering to create a per-minute schedule of employment during the pre-launch day of the commander and understudy and agreeing on the participation of all "subcontractors" in the work, Sergey Pavlovich reminded me that for the cosmonauts ' readiness for flight and their timely arrival at the launch site in full readiness (two hours before launch) I am personally responsible to the State Commission. Everything was expressed clearly, clearly, with great trust and respect, but demanding.

While performing my official duties, I repeatedly witnessed business conversations of a similar nature, which Sergey Pavlovich conducted with many specialists responsible for various areas in those days. I would like to say a few words about the characteristic behavior of Sergey Pavlovich's subordinates and, above all, about his immediate deputies and assistants. Observing them, their desire to constantly be useful to their manager in everything and in every possible way protect him from solving issues that they could have solved independently, as well as noticing how they themselves are engaged in the sections of work assigned to them personally, how they interact with "subcontractors", with what care they work out the documentation, and, finally, how they themselves they are thoroughly prepared for reports to Sergey Pavlovich, one could only envy such a successful selection of personnel. But when and where did these cadres receive such training? In all this "good tone" one could feel the royal style of work, his school and organization of work, the attitude he instilled to the assigned task. Later, we learned about the principles that were formulated by Sergey Pavlovich for all employees of the enterprise without exception: "Business is above all else; honestly perform what is entrusted to you; let others say good things about you." The Chief Designer was able to forgive a lot of things to the assistants who worked with him. "There are different things in life," he often said, but he was irreconcilable with careless or indifferent people.

Two days before the appointed day and hour of the most important event, which now all the people gathered at the cosmodrome lived by, a meeting of the State Commission was held. All eyes are on S. P. Korolev. Like everyone else here, he's excited. Especially solemn is his concise report on the full readiness of the rocket and space complex and the Vostok spacecraft for flight. Equally clear is the report of Lieutenant-General of Aviation N. P. Kamanin, who made a proposal on behalf of the Air Force to appoint Senior Lieutenant Yuri Gagarin as the commander of the first manned ship, and Senior Lieutenant German Stepanovich Titov as his understudy. Both astronauts take turns getting up from their seats. Chairman of the State Commission, Technical Director, President of the USSR Academy of Sciences, members of the commission express their best wishes to the crew, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming flight for the exploration of outer space, for the development of world science. Sergey Pavlovich also delivered a parting word. On behalf of a huge army of scientists, designers, researchers and testers, he assured the audience that during the preparation period for the flight, as much was done as was necessary to be sure of its successful outcome.

The pre-flight day has arrived. Together with Yuri and Herman, we moved from the hotel to the starter house. The cosmonauts were transferred to a relatively low-load daily routine. From time to time, they rested, listened to music, and again, for the umpteenth time, flipped through the flight and technical documentation that was right there at hand. In the evening Sergey Pavlovich came to the cottage. Having assessed that everything was going well with us, and referring to his busy schedule, he began to leave, but literally on the move, he still found a way to "throw" us an additional portion of optimism:

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- I want to warn you that in a couple of years we will send them to space much easier - on trade union vouchers...

At three o'clock in the morning, when my charges had already been sleeping a serene sleep for the fifth hour, Sergey Pavlovich again looked into the house. Putting the index finger of his left hand to his lips and uttering a faint mysterious "shhh", he quietly walked down the corridor and looked into the room where Yuri and Herman were. After making sure that they were asleep, the academician quietly left, showing us with gestures that everything was going well for him as well.

At 5: 30 in the morning, I picked up the astronauts. They immediately pleased us with their cheerful and cheerful mood. After physical exercise, space breakfast, pre-flight medical examination, putting on space suits (with pre-pasting on the body of various sensors-recorders of the state in flight) we began to prepare the space twins for landing in a specially equipped bus designed to take them to the spaceport. The Technical supervisor came in. Perhaps for the first time the cosmonauts saw Sergei Pavlovich so preoccupied and very tired. The sleepless night, excitement affected. Yuri Gagarin recalled these moments as follows: "A soft smile hovered around his tightly compressed lips. I wanted to hug him as if he were my father. He gave me some recommendations and tips that I had never heard before and that could be useful on the flight. It seemed to me that after seeing us and talking to us, he became a little more cheerful."

"It's going to be all right, Sergey Pavlovich, it's all right," Yuri and Herman had said to him at the same time and almost in one voice.

The bus quickly took the cosmonauts to the launch pad, to the beautiful rocket that looked up at the sky, wrapped in openwork trusses, silvery from the frost that appeared on the body. The golden rays of the rising sun played on all the miracle equipment that was ready for action. The sky was clear and clear, the weather - it was better not to wish. After Yu.A. Gagarin's brief report to the Chairman of the State Commission on flight readiness, last parting words, strong handshakes, as well as Gagarin's address to friends, relatives and strangers, compatriots, people of all countries and continents, cosmonaut number one takes the elevator to the top of the rocket, where the ship is waiting for him in full readiness. Yuri, excited and happy, takes the pilot's place in the Vostok's cockpit just after two hours of readiness for launch. For the next hour and a half, together with German Titov, we were on the bus that took us to the start, as planned by the program. The bus was parked a hundred and fifty meters away from the rocket. We could clearly see how familiar members of the State Commission, including S. P. Korolev, appeared from time to time at the foot of the rocket. About 40 minutes before the start, he beckoned to me, and when I approached, he praised Yuri and said that everything was going well, reminding me about the next stages of the program. They consisted in the fact that after 30 minutes of readiness, it was necessary to release the understudy from the space suit and move to the observation point, where all the specialists had already gathered.

"After the launch, I'll be at the communications center, bring the cosmonauts there," the Technical Supervisor manages to throw out on the move and goes to the bunker, where all the information, all the reports about the work being carried out now, and from where two-way communication with Gagarin is maintained by radiotelephone. Now the academician's morning preoccupation and fatigue were gone. At the observation point, you can hear all the conversations going on from the bunker with the commander of the Vostok . One of those who keeps in touch with Yura is Pavel Popovich.

Being at the loudspeaker, from which conversations are coming, and not taking our eyes off the rocket, from which we are separated by a kilometer and a half distance, we turned into attention itself. We can tell by your voice that you're in touch. Technical supervisor. He says calmly and firmly to Gagarin:

"Everything is going well. Everything is fine here, everything is fine, "Cedar" (Gagarin's flight call sign), how do you feel? I'm Zarya, " says Sergey Pavlovich.

"Zarya ,I feel great. Please tell the doctors that my pulse is normal. I'm Cedar, over."..

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Finally, in a strict sequence, one after another, clear starting commands are given, and here is the last one:"Rise!"

Gagarin immediately shouts over the rumbling noise of the power plants that have turned on:

- Let's go!

In the heart and memory of everyone who was happy to witness the launch of the Vostok spacecraft, which carried the first man, Soviet citizen Yuri Gagarin, into orbit around the Earth, an incomparable feeling of delight and pride will remain for the rest of their lives. For a moment, it seems that the rocket does not have enough strength and it is not able to leave the launch pad... But then the rocket began very smoothly, then more and more quickly to break the bonds of the eternal Earth's gravity, carrying the ship with the man into the sky. It is difficult to describe what happens in these short seconds on Earth. Everyone is shouting, waving their arms, jumping. Most people have tears of joy in their eyes. The sound of a receding rocket gradually subsides and soon stops altogether, but in the azure morning sky of Kazakhstan you can still watch the man-made star Vostok, aptly named by German Titov "Aurora of Cosmonautics".

A lot of people gathered on the sports field adjacent to the long one-story building with communication devices, where members of the State Commission moved and where information about the flight's progress is now being received from everywhere. There is a lively exchange of all sorts of details about the recently completed preparation and the beginning of that grand event, which is now being solemnly announced to the whole world by Moscow Radio. Powerful speakers carry the well-known voice of the announcer Yu. Levitana: "... the flight of the Vostok satellite spacecraft with cosmonaut Comrade Gagarin in orbit continues." New data on the flight and operation of ground-based support systems are instantly spreading out in all directions of the site. Everyone is looking forward to the next messages, and as soon as they appear, experts immediately comment on them. So far, the flight is in full compliance with the set program. Everyone, of course, is very happy about this. No one notices the thoroughly hot southern sun, which has already moved from the eastern horizon, where we met it early in the morning, to the zenith.

As soon as the estimated time of Gagarin's flight expired, N. P. Kamanin, together with the backup commander of the Vostok spacecraft, G. S. Titov, flew to the landing area. Soon I was ordered to fly to Kuibyshev with cosmonauts Andrian Nikolaev, Pavel Popovich, Valery Bykovsky and some specialists. Yuri Gagarin arrived there from the landing site, and by the morning of the next day, the entire State Commission gathered in Kuibyshev.

The members of the State Commission and all invited guests listened with extraordinary interest to the two-hour report of the first cosmonaut. He described how he was preparing for the flight, how the outstanding experiment unfolded and proceeded. Yu. A. Gagarin elaborated on radio communication issues and particularly focused on the final stage of the flight and landing. After the report, questions began. There was no end to them. The State Commission, which started its work at 9.30, has already taken the time that was set aside for lunch.

I go up to Sergey Pavlovich and, leaning over, whisper in his ear about the regulations and the work that is being disrupted. He nods his head in agreement with me.

- We, comrades, are rightly reminded of the regulations. They say that unlike engineers, who apparently set out to find out all the technical problems of cosmonautics in one go, doctors will not try to clarify all the medical problems today. But now they are still asking to" hand over " the hero of space to them - ... On behalf of the technical management, Sergey Pavlovich makes a proposal to end the meeting. He once again thanks Yuri Gagarin for the excellent performance of the flight task, for the most valuable information brought from the first space trip and diligently reported to the State Commission.

- The main thing that needed to be clarified and that, undoubtedly, we have established today, - says the Chairman of the State Commission, - is the conviction that a person can stay and work in the conditions of space flight. We can also state that the systems of the first manned spacecraft meet their intended purpose and functioned satisfactorily during the flight, ensuring that-

page 119

chiv execution of the cosmonaut's flight program. - Further, the Chairman, on behalf of the State Commission, thanks Yuri Gagarin.

Anyone who is familiar with the feeling of climbing a hard-to-reach peak is well aware of how the heart beats faster as you approach the peak. This happens not only because the path is difficult, the ascent is steep, and the body is exhausted from fatigue. The reason also lies in the fact that the chest is being squeezed by feelings of joyful expectation that are bursting out: wonderful prospects are about to open up, significantly pushing the usual horizon. From each hard-to-reach peak, the world appears in new, more visible features: it seems to be approaching and more sensitive than before, it blows its eternally life-affirming, hot breath over you... Something similar was experienced by the inhabitants of the Earth on April 12, 1961, when our compatriot Yuri Gagarin was the first in the history of mankind to test the road laid by the Soviet Union into space.

Two days later, on April 14, Muscovites solemnly met the first hero of space. Cosmonauts, making their way through crowds of people, got stuck on Kirov Street. No one expected that Moscow would be so crowded with people: neither to pass, nor to pass. This pleased and worried the guys. I was glad because their friend's flight turned out to be such a massive holiday and caused rejoicing among Muscovites and the entire Soviet people. What worried them was that they might get lost in the crowd and might be late for the rally on Red Square. However, everything went well, and a few minutes before the start of the rally, the cosmonauts managed to climb onto the podium, which is located to the right of the Mausoleum. The leaders of the Communist Party and the Soviet government rise to the podium of the Mausoleum, and next to them - Yuri Gagarin. Like everyone else present on the square, the cosmonauts greet their classmate, cosmonaut No. 1, with raised hands. Someone, unable to resist, shouts: "Well done, Yura! Keep it up!" And when Gagarin in his speech speaks about them, his fellow cosmonauts of the first group, who, like him, are ready for the upcoming flights, and in response to these words, thousands of people gathered here applaud the future heroes of space, the guys feel special joy. Now everyone knows that together with Gagarin, a whole galaxy of pioneers of space virgin lands has been prepared. The rally ends with a people's march past the Lenin Mausoleum. Banners, portraits, banners, flowers, smiling, happy faces of people... All this is very similar to May Day.

After getting used to the situation, we look around and are very happy to find that many of our good friends are on our podium. In the last rows of the upper tiers of the grandstand, we also look for Sergei Pavlovich Korolev. He's standing there with his wife. You can see that this person is really happy. With Titov, Nikolayev, Popovich and Bykovsky, we make our way to Sergey Pavlovich, greet him, and once again congratulate him on his victory. When he returns the favor, he says in a low voice::

- Do you see how much noise your Yura has made?! Be more modest, behave more modestly, dear comrades. - And it's already quite quiet.: "Will there be more, my friends?"

On the evening of April 14, many of the participants in the landmark event attended a government reception in the Kremlin. The reception took place in St. George's Hall and the Faceted Chamber. Solemn speeches were delivered and awards were presented to Yuri Gagarin. The halls were filled with bright crystal chandeliers and a festive atmosphere. Academician S. P. Korolev and his wife were standing by the wall, where the names of St. George's cavaliers of four degrees are forever carved on marble boards. At the beginning of the hall is the main table. Behind him are the leaders of the party and the government. Among them is Gagarin.

One day, shortly after the second Soviet cosmonaut went into space, one of the foreign correspondents asked him:

"What made you fly around the Earth seventeen times, Mr. Titov?" Herman answered:

"The ship...

There was an approving laugh. But the cosmonaut's reply was the least of all meant as a joke. It had a deep meaning.

page 120

So in the joyous April days of 1961, how many enthusiastic words and speeches were made to the one who first ascended into space! But is it only those who fly into space that delight the world? Starting with Yuri Gagarin, cosmonauts always emphasize that their success is primarily due to the creators of space technology. There are no words, Gagarin, Titov, and after them the rest of their followers-cosmonauts performed outstanding feats. However, an even greater miracle was performed by the creators of first-class rocket and space technology. Only thanks to their hard work were other talents able to show themselves. Otherwise, man would not have escaped from the realm of gravity. Soviet scientists, designers, engineers, and workers - these are the first people who have delighted the world, and these are the first people to whom words of gratitude should be addressed.

And let the names of many wonderful heroes do not immediately become known to the world. The Communist Party and the Soviet Government highly appreciate the work of the creators and creators of rocket and space technology. Among them there are a large number of Heroes and twice Heroes of Socialist Labor, order bearers, persons awarded Lenin and State Prizes, people who have been awarded high academic titles and degrees. They are constantly surrounded by great attention and care of our state. And the most important thing that distinguishes these people is their selfless dedication to their work. Academician Sergey Pavlovich Korolev lived just such a big and happy life, filled with inspiration and joy from useful work in a new and most interesting field of human knowledge.

page 121


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