The second Bulgarian cosmonaut Alexander Alexandrov has passed away
Bulgaria has lost one of its most significant figures in the fields of science and aviation. Major General Alexander Alexandrov, the second Bulgarian cosmonaut, has passed away at the age of 72. The news was met with sadness across the entire country, as he was a symbol of national pride and courage.
Alexander Alexandrov was born on December 1, 1951, in the town of Omurtag. From an early age, he showed a great interest in flying and technology. He graduated from the Higher Air Force School in Dolna Mitropolia and began his career as a military pilot before being selected for the international space program.
His historic flight took place in June 1988 aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz TM-5. During the mission, Alexandrov spent nearly ten days in space, working on the Mir orbital station. He conducted over 50 scientific experiments, which were entirely Bulgarian developments and helped the nation's science to advance.
Thanks to his success, Bulgaria established itself as one of the few countries in the world to have sent two people into outer space. The first Bulgarian cosmonaut was Georgi Ivanov, who flew in 1979. Alexandrov often shared in interviews that space is a place that unites people and shows how small and precious our planet Earth is.
Major General Alexander Alexandrov will go down in history as a true hero and professional. His life and achievements will continue to inspire young Bulgarians who dream of science and the stars. Bulgaria will always remember his contribution to the development of high technology and the exploration of the Universe.