Witness History First spacewalk
Mar 18, 2025
On March 18, 1965, Alexei Leonov made history as the first person to spacewalk, floating above Earth for ten tense minutes. His spacesuit unexpectedly inflated, creating a near crisis as he struggled to re-enter the spacecraft. The narrative captures the rivalry between Soviet and American astronauts during the space race and the emotional weight of that moment. With vivid accounts and reflections, the podcast brings to life the exhilaration and danger of venturing into the vast unknown, culminating in a triumphant return celebrated in the Soviet Union.
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Alexei Leonov's Background
- Alexei Leonov, born in Siberia, trained as a fighter pilot.
- He became one of 20 cosmonaut cadets, highlighting the rigorous selection process.
Spacesuit Malfunction
- Alexei Leonov's spacesuit inflated in space, making his return to the spacecraft difficult.
- He had to release air from his suit, risking decompression sickness.
Korolev's Vision
- Sergei Korolev, the mastermind of the Soviet space program, pushed for a Soviet spacewalk.
- He believed cosmonauts, like sailors, should be able to navigate their environment.
