Korolev, Sergei Pavlovich (1906-1966)

Russian designer of the first Soviet intercontinental missile, used to launch the first Sputnik satellite in 1957, and of the Vostok spacecraft in which Yuri Gagarin made the world's first space flight in 1961.

Korolev and his research team built the first Soviet liquid-fuel rocket, launched in 1933. His innovations in rocket and space technology include ballistic missiles, rockets for geophysical research, launch vehicles, and crewed spacecraft. Korolev was also responsible for the Voskhod spaceship, from which the first space walks were made.

Korolev was a member of the Institute for Jet Research from its foundation in 1933, becoming head of the Rocket Vehicle Department in 1934, and worked as an engine designer 1924-46. Later he was appointed head of the large team of scientists who developed high-powered rocket systems.

Korolev published his first paper on jet propulsion in 1934. By 1939 he had designed and launched the Soviet 212 guided wing rocket. This was followed by the RIP-318-1 rocket glider, which made its first piloted flight in 1940.