Description:

Russian Cosmonauts

Three Soviet Cosmonauts Volkov, Filipchenko, and Gorbatko Signed Space Program Photo  

 

3 Soviet cosmonauts from the Vostok and Voskhod Space Programs signed a glossy black and white period photograph. The cosmonauts, of whom are dressed in Soviet Air Force uniforms, appear relaxed and in casual conversation. Photograph in near fine condition, measuring 6" x 4.75". Signed in Cyrillic letters along the bottom edge of the photo, including Vladislav Nikolayevich Volkov (1935-1971),

Anatoly Vasilyevich Filipchenko (1928 to date), and

Viktor Vasilyevich Gorbatko (1934-2017)

 

As especially scarce group photo as Volkov died while on his second space mission on Soyuz 11 in 1971.

 

The Cold War was the backdrop of 1950s space programs developed in the United States and the Soviet Union. The two ideologically opposed juggernauts flexed their muscle in many ways, from the nuclear arms race to the Space Race. The Soviet Union launched its Vostok space program in 1961, conducting six missions -- and achieving many firsts -- during the next two years. Its successor, the Voskhod space program, ran from 1964-1965.

 

Selection and training of Soviet cosmonauts began in 1959. Its first candidates were male, between 25-30, within specific height and weight parameters, and physically fit. They endured a battery of tests that measured physical and psychological endurance as well as technical skills. Most of the cosmonauts had previously served in the Soviet Air Force. Of more than 200 candidates, 20 were chosen.

 

Soviet aeronautics may have been advanced enough to send a man and woman to space, but it was still problematic. Aside from the demise of the Soyuz 11, Vladimir Komarov died in the April 1967 Soyuz I mission, Yuri Gagarin was killed in a routine training mission at age 34 less than a year later.

A fantastic unique casual group photograph signed by 3 Soviet cosmonauts from the early days of the space program!

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