Igor Volk 1937 – 2017

Biography

Igor Volk was born on April 12, 1937, in Zmiiv, a city in Soviet Ukraine. Over the course of his distinguished career, he became known for his exceptional skill and courage as a test pilot and cosmonaut, contributing significantly to the Soviet space program during a transformative era of exploration and achievement.

Throughout his professional life, Volk demonstrated the precision, dedication, and bravery required of those who push the boundaries of human spaceflight. His work as a test pilot involved evaluating experimental aircraft and spacecraft systems, helping to advance aviation and aerospace technology during the Cold War period. His service to the cosmonaut corps reflected his commitment to scientific progress and national achievement during one of history’s most dynamic periods in space exploration.

On January 3, 2017, Igor Volk passed away in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, at the age of 79. He was laid to rest at Bykovo cemetery in Zhukovsky, Russia, near the heart of the Soviet aerospace industry where he had spent much of his career. His legacy endures as a testament to the pioneering spirit of those who shaped modern spaceflight.