Alexei Leonov: first human spacewalker, cosmonaut, artist and author

Early life and military career

Leonov trained as a pilot and served in the Soviet Air Force before selection as a cosmonaut. His military background and test‑pilot experience were typical for early cosmonauts and provided the skills needed for demanding flight operations. Over his career he rose to the rank of Major General and received several high state honors for his service.

Historic spacewalk and mission challenges

During the Voskhod 2 mission Leonov became the first person to step into open space. The EVA lasted about twelve minutes but presented immediate danger: his suit ballooned, making movement and re‑entry to the airlock difficult. To return he reduced suit pressure, reentered the capsule, and both crew members later performed a largely manual re‑entry and landed well off their planned recovery zone. The episode emphasized both the promise and peril of human operations outside spacecraft.

Later missions and international cooperation

Leonov continued to fly and to shape Soviet space policy. He commanded the Soviet side of the Apollo–Soyuz Test Project in July 1975 aboard Soyuz 19, the first joint U.S.–Soviet space docking and an important step in international cooperation in space. That mission demonstrated practical rendezvous and docking techniques between different systems and is remembered as a diplomatic as well as technical milestone.

Artist, writer and public figure

Beyond his flights, Leonov pursued painting and writing. His artwork, often inspired by spaceflight and cosmonaut life, appeared in exhibitions and publications. He also co‑authored memoirs and books that describe technical details and personal impressions of early human space exploration. These cultural works helped shape public understanding of the human side of space missions.

Legacy and notable facts

Leonov is remembered for several distinct reasons: he was the first human to perform an EVA, a leading figure in the first U.S.–Soviet space linkup, and an active artist and author who chronicled the space age. In later years he remained a public presence in Russia and internationally. He died on 11 October 2019 from diabetes‑related complications at age 85 and was among the last surviving members of the Voskhod program.

• First EVA: 18 March 1965, Voskhod 2 (spacewalk (EVA)).
• Commanded: Soyuz 19 for the Apollo–Soyuz Test Project (cosmonaut mission).
• Military rank: Major General (Soviet Air Force).
• Biography and further reading: biographical resources.