On December 12 at the age of 81 Vladimir Komanov departed this life – Hero of Ukraine, Chief Designer of the aerospace area of Yuzhnoye SDO (1986-1996), Deputy General Designer for Sea Launch program (1996-2003).

V.G. Komanov was born on June 19, 1938 in Volnovakha, Donetsk region. He graduated from Dnepropetrovsk State University in the specialty of mechanical engineer (1960). Candidate of Engineering (1980).

Between 1960-2003 he was employed by OKB-586/Yuzhnoye SDO: engineer (1960-1966), lead designer (1966-1986), lead designer of the rocket and space area (1986-1996), Deputy General Designer for Sea Launch program (1996-2003).

He was involved in development of new methods and instrumentation of telemetry measurements in support of the silo-based missile launches. Carried out technical management of the development, development testing, flight testing and commissioning of the space launch systems Cyclone-2, Cyclone-3, Zenit-2, Energia-Buran.

He provided engineering adjustment of the Zenit ground-based rocket system to the marine conditions under the Sea Launch program; represented Yuzhnoye SDO in the management team of Sea Launch international company, managed the activities on integration of Zenit rocket with the upper stage and Customers’ spacecraft.

Honoured machine builder of Ukraine (1994), Lenin prize winner (1980) and Ukraine State Prize winner (1995), member of the International Astronautical Academy (1997), Hero of Ukraine (2002). Honorary citizen of Dnepr.

Last respects to Vladimir Komanov will be paid on December 13 from 12.00 till 13.00 at the Palace of Culture of the machine builders.

Management and employees of Yuzhnoye SDO express sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased. May the memory of the distinguished son of Ukraine be cherished forever!