Alexei Leonov

space exploration · Soviet Union · first in history · astronauts

First spacewalk. On March 18, 1965, Alexei Leonov stepped outside his Voskhod 2 spacecraft and floated in the emptiness of space for 12 minutes and 9 seconds. He was the very first human being to ever do this incredible thing.

Trained fighter pilot. Before becoming a cosmonaut, Leonov was a major general in the Soviet Air Force. His skills as a pilot and his bravery made him perfect for the dangerous job of exploring space.

Artist and writer. Leonov wasn't just an explorer, he was also a talented painter and writer. He created art inspired by his experiences in space and shared his stories with the world.

Picked for the Moon. Leonov was selected to be the first Soviet cosmonaut to land on the Moon, but the Soviet lunar program was cancelled before he could go. He never got his chance to walk on the Moon.