Who Is Sergei Korolev? Age, Biography and Wiki
Sergei Korolev, born on January 14, 1907, and passing away on January 14, 1966, remains one of the most influential figures in the history of space exploration. Known as the chief designer of the Soviet space program, Korolev is often referred to as the "father of the Soviet space program." His visionary contributions established a foundation for space exploration and rocket technology that continues to influence the field today. By 2025, his legacy persists as a symbol of engineering excellence and scientific ambition.
| Occupation | Scientists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 14, 1966 |
| Age | 0 Years |
| Birth Place | Zhitomir, Volhynian Governorate, Russian Empire (now Zhytomyr, Ukraine) |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | Ukraine |
| Date of death | 14 January, 1966 |
| Died Place | Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
Popularity
Sergei Korolev's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements related to his physical stature are not widely documented, Korolev is often remembered for his notable presence in the engineering and scientific community of his time. His intellect and innovative spirit far outweighed any physical attributes.
"I was looking out of the window when he arrived, stepping out of a black Zis 110 limousine. He was taller than average; I could not see his face, but he had a short neck and large head. He wore the collar of his dark-blue overcoat turned up and the brim of his hat pulled down.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Korolev was married twice throughout his life. His first marriage, to a woman named Valentina, lasted until the early 1930s. He later married a woman named Natalia, with whom he had a more enduring relationship. Although details about his personal life remain relatively private, Korolev's dedication to his work often overshadowed his personal relationships, reflecting the intense commitment he had to his career in aerospace engineering.
His mother, Maria Nikolaevna Koroleva (Moskalenko/Bulanina), was a daughter of a wealthy merchant from the city of Nizhyn, with Ukrainian, Greek and Polish heritage.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 1966, Sergei Korolev's estimated net worth was not precisely documented due to the political climate of the Soviet Union. However, his contributions to aerospace significantly influenced the funding and resources allocated to the sector. In 2025, his legacy has granted him a symbolic wealth in terms of respect and continued relevance in conversations around space exploration, though specific financial figures remain speculative.
Career, Business and Investments
Korolev's illustrious career began in the early 1920s with a focus on aeronautical engineering. Over the decades, he established his reputation within the Soviet Union and was pivotal in launching Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, in 1957. His work on various projects, including the Vostok, Voskhod, and Soyuz spacecraft, radically changed the space race landscape. Korolev's innovative mindset paved the way for future generations of aerospace engineers, ensuring that his impact endured well into 2025 and beyond.
Korolev studied specialized aviation topics until 1929, while living with his family in the typically crowded conditions of Moscow. Korolev enjoyed opportunities to fly gliders and powered aircraft during this part of his education. He designed a glider in 1928, and flew it in a competition the next year.
The Communist Party accelerated the education of engineers in 1929 to meet the country's urgent need for their skills. Korolev obtained a diploma by producing a practical aircraft design by the end of the year.
Social Network
Sergei Korolev was a somewhat private individual who operated in a politically charged environment. However, he maintained professional relationships with notable scientists and engineers within the Soviet space program and various international scientific circles. In contemporary discussions, Korolev is often celebrated on platforms that honor engineering achievements and space exploration, as well as within educational institutions emphasizing science and technology.
Korolev was keenly aware of the orbital possibilities of the rockets being designed as ICBMs, ideas that were shared by Tikhonravov then working at NII-4.
On 26 May 1954, six days after being tasked to lead the R-7 ballistic missile program, Korolev submitted a proposal to use the R-7 to launch a satellite into space, naming a technical report from Tikhonravov and mentioning similar work being carried out by Americans.
After receiving lukewarm support from the Soviet leadership, Korolev initiated a modest satellite research project in coordination with Tikhonravov. To intensify his lobbying efforts, Korolev, along with other like-minded engineers, began writing speculative articles for Soviet newspapers on space flight.
They were picked up by the press in the United States and the CIA, influencing American authorities to start their own satellite programs. On 29 July 1955, the Eisenhower administration announced the intention of the United States to launch "small Earth-circling satellites" for the International Geophysical Year.
While the US government debated the idea of spending millions of dollars on this concept, Korolev suggested the international prestige of launching a satellite before the United States. On 5 August, he sent another proposal with American newspaper articles about the US program attached. Three days later, the Soviet leadership approved his plan.
On 30 August, Korolev met with members of the Soviet defense and scientific communities. As a result, he was allowed to use the R-7 rocket to launch satellites, and his project also gained support from the Soviet Academy of Sciences.
On 30 January 1956, the USSR Council of Ministers officially approved the satellite project in its decree number 149-88ss.
Education
Korolev pursued engineering at the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, where he developed a strong foundation in engineering principles. His education provided him with the skills necessary for the groundbreaking work he would later do in rocketry and aerospace technology. Throughout his career, Korolev was known for his continual learning and adaptation, traits that solidified his place in history and influenced many educational endeavors in science and technology well into 2025.
Korolev received vocational training in carpentry and academics at the Odessa Building Trades School (Stroyprofshkola No. 1). Enjoyment of a 1913 air show inspired interest in aeronautical engineering. He made an independent study of flight theory, and worked at the local glider club.
A detachment of military seaplanes had been stationed in Odessa, and Korolev took a keen interest in their operations.
