Jugderdemidiin Gurragchaa
INFORMATION FOR TRAVELERS
MONGOLIAN LEGENDARY PERSONS
JUGDERDEMIDIIN GURRAGCHAA
 Jügderdemidiin
Gurragchaa, the pioneering cosmonaut from Mongolia, is a name that resonates
deeply in the annals of space exploration. Born on December 5, 1947, in the
province of Bulgan, J.Gurragchaa rose from humble beginnings to etch his name
among the stars. As the first and only Mongolian to journey beyond the Earth's
confines, his story is one of aspiration, dedication, and collaboration. In the
context of a tourist experience, his legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration
for those who look towards the sky and wonder.
Born in Gurvanbulag, Mongolia, Gürragchaa studied in Ulan Bator to become an aerospace engineer. He then joined the air force,
rising to the rank of Major General.
He was selected as part of the eighth Intercosmos program on March 1, 1978. His backup was Maidarzhavyn Ganzorig. Gurragchaa, along with Soviet cosmonaut
Vladimir Dzhanibekov, departed from Baikonur Cosmodrome on March 22, 1981. They docked with Salyut 6. While in orbit, Dzhanibekov and Gurragchaa carried
out experiments on earth science. After 124 orbits and 7 days, 20 hours and 42 minutes in space, Gürragchaa and Dzhanibekov landed 170 km southeast
of Dzhezkasgan.
After Mongolia removed the Communist-era ban on clan names in 1997, and unable to identify his original clan heritage, Gürragchaa chose the clan
name Sansar - Mongolian for "cosmos". Clan names have only symbolic significance today and should not be confused with western style "
family names", which are unknown in Mongolia.
Before becoming minister of defense, Gürragchaa worked as chief of staff of air defence of Mongolian Armed Forces. He is married and has two children.
Jügderdemidiin Gürragchaa was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union on March 30 1981. The Zaisan Memorial, a monument south of Ulan Bator dedicated to
Russian-Mongolian friendship, includes a mural which depicts amongst its scenes Gürragchaa's 1981 flight.
March 22,1981, will forever go down in the history of our country as one of the most memorable and glorious dates. On that day, J. Gurragchaa, the first
Mongolian researcher-cosmonaut, at present a member of the Mongolian Parliament, set off on a space mission together with Russian cosmonaut Vladimir Dzhanibekov
aboard the "Soyuz-39" spaceship. During this flight, which lasted a week, he conducted a long series of geological, physic-technical and medico-biological
experiments. Thus, Mongolia has become the tenth country to send an astronaut into space and J. Gurragchaa - the hundredth astronaut of the world.
There are a few people in Mongolia who observed with their own eyes the flight from Baikonur 27 years ago. One of the witnesses of that historical
event, B.Chadraa, Academy of Sciences President, published a book entitled "Mongolian space start" providing the historical facts in 2007 on the occasion
of the 26th anniversary of the first space mission of the Mongolian cosmonaut.
Incidentally, the photographic reporter of the MONTSAME News Agency, S. Batsukh, embodied events around this historical flight
between 1978 and 1981 in a large number of photographs. He has approximately 2,500 pictures immortalizing the event. About 80 percent of photographs included
in the book are his work.
On the occasion of the space mission, a large number of children born during that period have received names concerning the space topic, and about 50 kinds
of products were produced with pictures displaying this topic.
A trip through Mongolia offers visitors a chance to connect with this rich
legacy of exploration. Imagine tracing the steps of this iconic figure through
the mesmerizing landscapes of Mongolia—its vast steppes, imposing mountains, and
serene skies, reminiscent of the boundless frontier Gurragchaa ventured into. A
visit to the National Museum of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar provides deeper insight
into Gurragchaa’s life and mission, featuring exhibits that include a replica of
his space suit and artifacts from his groundbreaking voyage.
Mongolia's breathtaking geography mirrors the uncharted frontiers
J.Gurragchaa traversed. In the Gobi Desert, for instance, travelers can
experience the vastness and solitude akin to space itself—a quiet expanse filled
with its own mysteries and life. The connectivity isn't just physical but
symbolic as well; as the first Mongolian in space, Gurragchaa's achievements
remind us of the universal yearning for discovery that resides in all of us,
crossing national and terrestrial boundaries.
As you explore Mongolia, let the story of Jügderdemidiin Gurragchaa be a
reminder of the heights one can achieve with vision and perseverance. Whether
gazing at the stars under Mongolia's clear night sky or standing before the
eternal steppe, you're invited to contemplate the journey of an individual who
touched the cosmos and brought a piece of that infinite wonder back to inspire
generations. Embark on a journey not only through the landscapes but through the
dreams and aspirations that define us all as earthbound adventurers yearning for
the stars.
For those planning to visit, think of this adventure as more than just a
vacation. It’s an exploration of humanity's potential, a narrative of endurance
and achievement, and an opportunity to draw inspiration from a trailblazer who
journeyed beyond the imaginable. Let your travels in Mongolia be a testament to
the spirit of discovery, much like the remarkable voyage of its national hero,
Jügderdemidiin Gurragchaa.
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