“Kazakhstan will never forget him”: Farewell ceremony for cosmonaut Talgat Musabayev held in Almaty
Musabayev, a three-time space traveler and one of Kazakhstan’s most prominent national heroes, passed away on August 4 at the age of 74.
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Among those who paid tribute was renowned Russian cosmonaut Sergey Krikalev, who recalled first meeting Musabayev long before they served together—in aerobatic flight competitions. He later trained and worked alongside Musabayev in the cosmonaut corps.
“Talgat wasn’t a guest in the profession—he was a true professional, deeply involved in every mission. He flew to both Mir and the ISS. Those who worked with him know the level of respect he commanded. I’m here today not only as a colleague and friend, but on behalf of those cosmonauts who couldn’t be here,” Krikalev said.
Following the ceremony, a public memorial was held in Panfilov Park.
Presidential Advisor Erlan Karin read a letter of condolence from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who called Musabayev an outstanding patriot and a symbol of Kazakhstan’s space legacy.
“Talgat Amangeldiyevich ventured into space three times, bringing great pride to our country. His contribution to the development of Kazakhstan’s space program was immense,” the message read.
Karin added that the farewell was conducted with full military honors on the president’s instructions.
Kazakhstan’s first cosmonaut, Toktar Aubakirov, also paid his respects, highlighting Musabayev’s invaluable role in advancing national space exploration.
“He still had so much to give. Kazakhstan will never forget him,” Aubakirov said, noting the deep mark Musabayev left on both Kazakh and global space history.
Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov described Musabayev as a role model whose life and service continue to inspire younger generations.
“He was an example for all young servicemen,” the minister noted.
Following the public gathering, a mullah — an Islamic religious leader — recited the traditional Janaza prayer, a Muslim funeral supplication for the deceased. The ceremony was held in accordance with Islamic customs, and Musabayev was laid to rest with full respect for religious traditions.
As part of the farewell procession, Musabayev’s casket was carried through the square and placed on a gun carriage mounted on an armored personnel carrier.
Accompanied by a military orchestra, the funeral cortege proceeded along Gogol Street.
Musabayev will be buried at Kensai Cemetery in Almaty.
Legacy in space
Talgat Musabayev was born on January 7, 1951, in the village of Fabrichnoye in Almaty Region. A recipient of the title Halyk Kaharmany (People’s Hero), he was a lieutenant general of aviation and held a doctorate in technical sciences.
He completed three space missions, spending a total of 341 days, 9 hours, and 46 minutes in orbit. Over the course of his missions, he conducted eight spacewalks, totaling 43 hours and 46 minutes.
Beyond his achievements in space, Musabayev served as Chairman of Kazakhstan’s National Space Agency from 2007 to 2016 and was a senator from 2017 to 2023.
President Tokayev earlier expressed his condolences, calling Musabayev a national symbol and a true hero of independent Kazakhstan.