Kazakhstan’s first cosmonaut, National Hero, and Major General of Aviation Toktar Aubakirov turned 80 on Sunday. To mark the occasion, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov presented him with a congratulatory letter from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
In his message, President Tokayev praised Aubakirov’s outstanding contribution to the development of Kazakhstan’s aviation and space industries, his role in strengthening the country’s international reputation, and his many years of public service.
Toktar Aubakirov was born on July 27, 1946, in the village of Pervoye Maya in Kazakhstan’s Karaganda Region. His passion for aviation began in childhood, when he joined a local flying club and completed his first parachute jumps.
In 1988, he made aviation history by becoming the first Soviet pilot to successfully fly to the North Pole with two mid-air refueling operations. For his exceptional courage and flying skills, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
A year later, Aubakirov became the first pilot in the world to land a MiG-29K carrier-based fighter on an aircraft-carrying cruiser. He also performed the aircraft’s first ski-jump takeoff from the carrier deck, an achievement later recognized by the Guinness World Records.
On October 2, 1991, Aubakirov made history again by flying aboard the Soyuz TM-13 spacecraft, becoming the first Kazakh cosmonaut. He spent 7 days, 22 hours, and 13 minutes aboard the orbital space station.
Today, Toktar Aubakirov remains actively involved in public life, focusing on patriotic education for young people, promoting military service, and preserving Kazakhstan’s national and cultural values.