Photo:
RIA Novosti
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated twice hero of the Soviet Union, cosmonaut Alexei Leonov with 83-year anniversary, noting his outstanding contribution to the history of the development of the Universe.
“Dear Alexey Arkhipovich! I congratulate you on your birthday. You people a truly heroic destiny had first to conquer outer space to make outstanding contribution to the history of the development of the Universe. Your extraordinary courage, dedication, devotion to your profession and country are a shining example for the younger generation… I Wish you good health, prosperity and all the best,” — said in a congratulatory telegram.
In addition, Putin stressed that responsible citizenship and life a special tempering today allow Leonov to actively engage in public work, to give serious attention to preservation and development of traditions of Russian cosmonautics.
Alexei Leonov was born on 30 may 1934. The first spacewalk was made by Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov March 18, 1965 with the spacecraft “Voskhod-2” with a flexible (inflatable) airlock.