Though perhaps considered our "enemy" at a time I believe that Major Leonov was an honorable man who understood that we're more alike than different. Respects to him for his pioneering exploration efforts alongside his fellow USSR and USA space travelers of that era. Sorry to hear of his passing.
15
What a wonderful story about the curiosity of the one and only race aka human from the one and only national origin aka Earth trying to lessen our ignorance about space.
4
Wow, many a great tale this man had to tell. Never knew about the assassination attempt on Brezhnev.
10
God speed Mr. Leonov.
6
I was privileged to talk with some of the Russian cosmonauts who could only divulge their terrifying mishaps after the end of the Soviet Union. One faced almost certain death when all the electrical systems inside the space craft failed, leaving him and his partner in the dark without oxygen. He managed to find an emergency switch, in pitch darkness, and re-start the system.
Another, along with his crew mate, nearly perished when the insulation from the re-entry burnout failed. And others experienced potentially deadly docking mishaps.
Heroes all – and unsung. But all of them recounted their stories with humility and even humour. They deserve a tribute for their extraordinary courage
21
What is little-known about Leonov was that he was secretly an Orthodox Christian. He later wrote a children's book "I Walk in Space," which was translated into English. I bought a copy for my son.
5
Since NASA's is not doing maned space flights at this time, if it wasn't for the Russians, we would be grounded! I thank heroes like this who probably had a hand in allowing us to do joint space flights and explorations. A true equalizer between the USA and Russians. Thank you Sir, a salute to you and a handshake of gratitude. RIP
4
A man who left a huge imprint on the chronicle of mankind's emergence into space (both figuratively and literally.) As I recall, for the Apollo-Soyuz mission of which he was a part, he drew a watercolor of the three Apollo astronauts in cowboy regalia sitting astride the Apollo spacecraft in orbit, mission commander Stafford holding a lasso asking, "Where are they?"
I am sure he will be greatly missed by all who knew him and were touched by him. Bon voyage!
8
This is a portrait of a fine human being. And, a very brave one.
25
What a gracious comment he made about Apollo 11. God speed, sir.
34
Space walking is a misnomer. It's really space floating.
3
Wow, Cosmonaut Leonov had nine lives. I do not know more of his background, and had forgotten he had preceded Ed White out the door of a spacecraft.
With a little more material, Alexei's life could be a movie, synecdoche for the Soviet empire.
8
RIP
1
Godspeed Mr. Leonov.
thank you
5
These are heroes. Our lives and futures are changed because of them. RIP Mr. Leonov.
8
A Mouseketeer - a Mousketeer! - gets higher billing on the front page of the international paper of record, than does the first person to walk in space, the first Russian to shake the hand of an American in space.
That is not just.
21
The Right Stuff no matter what flag was flown. On the one had we had the Cold war, and space race, on the other some hopes of cooperation and peace. Perhaps all of the early astronauts and cosmonauts had more in common with one another than with the rest of us mortals rooted to the earth.
22
Thank you for this wonderful obituary.
I am a big time space fan.
I have flown in a MiG 29 to 60,000 plus feet and pulled 6G.
I have been to Baiknour to area Soyuz lift off.
And on one 9/11 - I was on the steppes of Kazakhstan to welcome back an American and 2 Russians back to earth.
I have been privileged to see Leonov space stuff at one of Russia's closely held museum - where I even got to touch Gagarin capsule.
And got strapped inside a Soyuz capsule.
All wonderful and inspiring.
I think a world of these Russians.
Thank you for making their lives unforgettable.
26
Really a beautiful story. Farewell dear Russian astronaut, you are a true hero. It took my breath away reading about the near brushes with death due to difficulty getting into the spaceship and being tethered to the spacecraft by a mere cord, hanging out in space. Those early days, you were truly a pioneer, filled with a lot of wonder and bravery! RIP.
31
In reading this article, I remember back to those times when the world seemed destined for greatness. Nations historically opposed became collaborators for the greater good of mankind. Men like Mr. Leonov were ambassadors of goodwill and peace. How tragic and sad that those pathways to global peace and prosperity were driven to extinction by greed and nefarious narcissism of a few bad actors. Perhaps we can aspire to rekindle those greater aspirations for our species, renew our respect for 'the big picture', and get on with the truly important work of collaboration without borders.
46
These early space pioneers, up through the astronauts and scientists who work in the ISS today, are performing difficult and dangerous work for the benefit of all mankind.
They are all true heroes and heroines.
Thank you Aleksei.
33
Rest well, Major Leonov. You've earned it.
And while we may have missed the deadline set by the flim, maybe someday we'll name a remarkable spaceship in your honor.
21
A brave explorer and something of an artist and poet by his descriptive words..
31
Godspeed, Commander Leonov...
28
A real pioneer and a piece of space exploration history who deserves our memory and respect.
59