Yuriy Mozjorin One of the organizers and leaders of work in the field of Soviet rocket and space science Date of Birth: 29.12.1920 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Military Service and Aeronautical Training
3. Early Rocketry Career
4. Head of the Ballistics Department at NII-4
5. Creation of the First Space Command and Measurement Complex
6. Role in the First Human Spaceflight
7. Director of TsNIIMash
8. Contributions to TsNIIMash
9. Oversight of Rocketry Programs
10. Retirement and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Yuri Alexandrovich Mozhorin was born on December 29, 1920, in the village of Orekhovo near Moscow into a family of railway workers. After graduating from high school with honors in 1938, he enrolled in the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI), where he aspired to specialize in aerodynamics. In 1940, he transferred to the Moscow Aviation Technological Institute, which had handpicked top students from MAI and other universities.

Military Service and Aeronautical Training

During the Second World War, Mozhorin volunteered as a mortarman and fought in the Battle of Vyazma in 1941, where he sustained a severe injury in August. Despite his wounds, he persevered and earned a return to the army. He was initially sent to a communications school for armored forces, but his proficiency in aviation engineering led him to the N. E. Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy, where he completed additional training in experimental aerodynamics and graduated in 1945 with honors as a military engineer.

Early Rocketry Career

After the war, the Soviet Army established the first special-purpose rocket brigade, which included a young Mozhorin as Assistant for Technical Affairs at the age of 25. In 1947, he joined the newly formed Rocket Department of the Main Artillery Department, which later became the independent Main Directorate of Rocketry (GURVO) in 1951. During this period, he sought to deepen his knowledge of rocket technology and attended graduate courses at the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, where he completed a diploma project on a prospective long-range missile.

Head of the Ballistics Department at NII-4

In 1955, Mozhorin became the Deputy Head of the Ballistics Department at the Research Institute of Rocket Forces (NII-4). He was tasked with developing the technical design of a measurement system for the country's first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program. Under his leadership, the initial and technical designs of the measurement system were developed, and construction commenced in 1956. In early 1957, the first phase of the system was commissioned, enabling the successful flight testing of the ICBM.

Creation of the First Space Command and Measurement Complex

As the Soviet Union progressed with space exploration, Mozhorin played a pivotal role in designing and developing the nation's first space command and measurement complex (KIK). He oversaw the expansion of the system for interplanetary space missions, beginning with the "Luna" program in 1959. For his contributions to the KIK and its role in supporting the launch of the first artificial Earth satellite, he received the prestigious Lenin Prize.

Role in the First Human Spaceflight

Mozhorin's expertise extended to the development and implementation of the KIK for the manned "Vostok" space program. This involved significant automation of information processing. In 1961, his participation in the first human spaceflight earned him the title of Hero of Socialist Labor and the rank of Major General-Engineer.

Director of TsNIIMash

In July 1961, Mozhorin was appointed Director and Scientific Director of Research Institute 88 (NII-88), a leading organization in the Soviet space industry. Under his stewardship, NII-88 evolved into the renowned Central Scientific Research Institute of Machine Building (TsNIIMash), responsible for scientific and research functions in rocket and space technology development.

Contributions to TsNIIMash

Mozhorin led the transformation of TsNIIMash into the industry's central research organization, fostering a collaborative environment between theoretical and experimental divisions. His contributions included the establishment of a cutting-edge experimental base and the development of comprehensive plans for the development of rocket and space technology.

Oversight of Rocketry Programs

As Director, Mozhorin oversaw the evaluation of all proposed programs and projects within the industry. He played a key role in shaping national policies and strategies, serving on numerous government and interdepartmental commissions.

Retirement and Legacy

In recognition of his dedication to the industry, Mozhorin was named an Honorary Citizen of Kaliningrad (now Korolev) in 1995. He continued to actively collaborate in research projects related to the history of TsNIIMash and the rocket and space industry. Yuri Alexandrovich Mozhorin passed away on May 15, 1998, leaving behind a profound legacy in the advancement of Soviet and Russian space exploration.