Sergei Korolev

Full Name: Sergei Pavlovich Korolev
Profession: Rocket Engineer and Head of the Soviet Space Program

Biography: Sergei Korolev was a Soviet engineer and pioneering figure in space exploration, leading the Soviet Union's space program during the height of the Space Race. As the lead rocket engineer and spacecraft designer, he played a pivotal role in launching the first human-made object, Sputnik, into space in 1957, and subsequently the first human, Yuri Gagarin, in 1961.

Korolev began his career designing aircraft, but his focus shifted to rocketry when he saw its potential for space travel. His work was temporarily halted during World War II, when he was imprisoned under false accusations during Stalin's purges. He was released in 1944, however, and returned to his work on rocket technology.

Under his leadership, the Soviet space program made significant advancements. These include the launch of the Luna 2, the first spacecraft to reach the moon, and the Vostok 1, which took Gagarin into space. These achievements firmly established the USSR as a major player in space exploration and led to a period of intense competition with the United States, known as the Space Race.

Despite his central role in the Soviet space program, Korolev's identity was a closely guarded state secret until after his death in 1966.

Born: January 12, 1907
Birthplace: Zhytomyr, Volhynian Governorate, Russian Empire (now Ukraine)

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Horse
Star Sign: Capricorn

Died: January 14, 1966 (aged 59)
Cause of Death: Died after routine surgery in unclear circumstances. His ashes were interred with state honors in the Kremlin Wall.