Nikolai Kamanin

Nikolai Kamanin was a Soviet military officer and space program leader, instrumental in Russia's early efforts to send humans into space. He managed the training of cosmonauts, including Yuri Gagarin, the first person in space. Kamanin was known for his strict discipline and dedication to advancing Soviet space achievements during the Cold War era. His work helped establish the foundation for human spaceflight, emphasizing rigorous preparation and safety in a competitive space race with the United States.