aqua safari helmet dive bora bora

Discover the Best Underwater Walk in Bora Bora! Join our shared helmet diving tour and explore the amazing lagoon of Bora Bora. Our 2.5-hour excursion offers 30 minutes of underwater adventure, taking you 3 meters deep into a stunning coral garden. Walk among colorful parrot fish, butterflies, clowns, morays, stingrays and other marine creatures in the midst of a beautiful coral reef. Book now for an unforgettable experience in Bora Bora!

Helmet Diving

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• Appointment Date (Tour unavailable Sunday). For late booking, less than 24 hours before the tour, please contact us: +689.87.288.777 250 char. max

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Bora bora Helmet Diving and reef discovery

Make the  Underwater walk  the highlight of your trip! Come and discover the riches of the lagoon of Bora Bora with this  shared helmet diving tour ! This  excursion  of 2.5 hours, for 30 minutes underwater, will take you by 3 meters of depth, in the middle of a coral garden! Surrounded by a coral reef you will walk to the bottom in the middle of parrot fish, butterflies, clowns, morays, stingrays...

No need to know how to  swim ,  snorkel , or  scuba dive  to go for an unforgettable experience in the  lagoon of bora bora ! After some explanation and a short safety briefing, you will be ready to explore the world of némo in the  coral garden . Don't forget to buy for  photo souvenir of your helmet dive in Bora Bora .

Bora bora underwater walk and reef discovery

In the crystal clear water and in the middle of the  coral garden , a qualified  suba diver instructor  will guide you to an unforgettable ride underwater!

Free pick up,  boat transfert  and drop off from your accomodation!

*** No age limit or medical requirement *** Briefing available in English, French, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, German, Italian, Portugues

The helmet dive underwater walk is available in private tour.

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Helmet Dive Bora Bora

No matter if you know how to swim, snorkel, or dive or if you’re young or a bit older, the helmet dive in Bora Bora is for everybody who would love to get to the seafloor of the turquoise-blue waters in Bora Bora!

Thanks to Aqua Safari, I had the most wonderful day and I can recommend it! Even though I am very comfortable snorkeling, when I was offered a tour with Aqua Safari on a beautiful sunny afternoon, I couldn’t say no! Let me tell you why you will also enjoy this experience and why I can recommend everybody to book this Helmet Dive in Bora Bora !

This activity is available to everybody fit enough to go in the water.

Approx 3 hours

You can do the Helmet Dive in the morning or afternoon depending on availability.

Request Pick up

You can request a pick-up when booking the activity.

Introductionary Dive

$ 131 / € 118

Group of maximum 12 people

Shared tour

Bottled water

Pick up available

Pictures (additional fee)

Private Tour

$ 639 / € 578

Only your family or group

Private tour

What is the Helmet Dive Bora Bora?

Also called the Underwater Walk, the Helmet Dive Bora Bora is an underwater activity during which you descend to a certain depth with a large helmet on your head. This large helmet is linked to an oxygen tank and allows you to breathe as usual and to walk underwater. It’s the perfect way to experience the magical underwater world of Bora Bora.

With a diving helmet on your shoulders, filled with oxygen, you descend without your head getting wet. You can breathe normally for the full duration of the activity which is around 30 minutes. During this period, you enjoy a beautiful coral in the middle of the magical lagoon in Bora Bora. The inhabitants of the reef await your arrival as they are used to having the helmet divers around.

The coral garden you will enjoy is no deeper than 10 feet (3 meters). That’s not deep at all and equalizing the ears is not even necessary. And thanks to a team of professional divers, you will feel as safe as can be!

After the safety briefing and explanation of how it all works, you get into the special helmet. Just to spend an enjoyable 30 minutes walking on the Bora Bora lagoon floor with a guide.

At an innocent depth, you’ll get great views of a coral garden and the tropical fish that live around it. Oh, and let’s not forget Coco Chanel, the friendliest cuddling stingray on the planet!

Who can do the Helmet Dive in Bora Bora?

This Bora Bora water activity is available for whoever wants to get to the bottom of the sea. The best part of this water activity in Bora Bora is that you don’t need to be a swimmer, snorkeler, or diver.

Children older than 6 years old can already join the activity. And there’s no maximum age either. As long as you’re fit enough to hang around in the water, you’re welcome to join. This is why the Bora Bora Helmet Dive is an activity perfect for the entire family and groups.

Some are just too afraid to snorkel, and we’re not all great swimmers. To prevent one of your family members or friends from not enjoying a water activity, one should book the Helmet Dive by Aqua Safari. Nobody stays behind! Everybody over 6 years old is welcome!

Want to meet Coco Chanel?

My Bora Bora helmet dive experience

When I arrived in Bora Bora, I wasn’t much of a hero in the water, I have to admit. Things changed and against all odds, I got a passion for freediving . But I have always been a good swimmer and a huge fan of snorkeling. So I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy the Bora Bora helmet dive. After all, I could already go down a few meters below the surface while snorkeling.

But I got the offer to come along and so I did. I put my bikini on, I took my towel, and with some weird kind of excitement, I headed to Aqua Safari. With a great mix of people, some even more excited than others, we headed to the dive spot.

It’s here that Tama, Manu, and Christelle gathered together with all the participants. Some were from the main island, like me, and some picked up from the resorts on the motu.

Time for the briefing, because there are a few things you need to know before you dive in. How it all works, for example, and what to look out for. It’s all perfectly well explained. They all speak English and French.

The Helmet Dive

After the explanation, it’s time to get ready and get into the turquoise-blue waters, a delightful happening in itself. It’s like you’re jumping into a huge swimming pool. So if you’re not a fan of open water, do not worry! It doesn’t feel like you jump into the sea at all.

The helmet is being prepared and with the help of the experienced team, it’s being placed on your shoulder, right before you’re brought down. Et voilà, you’re at the bottom of the sea in Bora Bora, how cool is that?

I have to admit, it’s pretty cool! My boyfriend is a professional diver, and even he had a great time. That’s how much fun it is. We had to laugh about how complicated it is to communicate, through the windows of the helmets.

We could even clear the ears by going in the helmet to pinch the nose. You can also keep your sunglasses on (like silly divers do), but also your normal glasses. It can help a lot of people to enjoy Nemo and Dora just that bit more. Oh and let’s not forget Coco Chanel, the friendliest stingray ever!

Pictures of the Helmet dive

There we sat at the bottom of the sea, some 3 meters down from the surface. We had a blast, despite our experience in the water. It was just a great day! And to top it all up with even more awesomeness, pictures are being taken by one of the team members.

As you can see on this page, they are a great memory of a great experience. For couples, friends, and families, everybody will enjoy the day! Guaranteed! The reviews on Viator are just more proof of what I seriously believe is a must-do underwater experience in Bora Bora !

After you booked a day with Aqua Safari, don’t forget to check out other recommended activities in Bora Bora:

• An ATV & Jet-ski Tour with a BBQ on a tropical motu
• The best Lagoon Tour in Bora Bor a

FAQ Helmet Dive in Bora Bora

During a helmet dive, you go 10 feet (3 meters) underwater to be able to see one of the many corals in Bora Bora. To be able to do so, you wear a big helmet on your head supplied with oxygen. You don’t have to worry about anything so no fog or water in your mask, just enjoy the corals and the fish.

Yes, it is the same. Some call it a helmet dive and some call it an underwater walk. In both cases, you wear a large helmet on your shoulders to be able to breathe and enjoy your time in the water.

Yes, it’s completely safe. The helmet dive Bora Bora will only bring you up to three meters down from the surface. This is a safe depth while the oxygen flows into your large helmet constantly. You can even equalize the ears easily. Besides, you are guided by experienced divers who will keep an eye on you at all times. It’s therefore that the helmet dive Bora Bora is available to almost all ages.

While the entire experience is a few hours with the boat ride to the spot and the briefing, the actual dive will be around 30 minutes. Enough time to explore the beautiful reefs in Bora Bora and meet Coco Chanel.

A helmet used by Aqua Safari in Bora Bora weighs around 32 lbs (14,5 kg) at the surface. Underwater, the weight is taking off when the Archimedes Principle kicks in. The helmet then becomes neutrally buoyant and you won’t experience it as heavy underwater.

Normal glasses, sunglasses, and contacts, you can wear them as usual under your helmet. No need for a blurry sight underwater thanks to the ability to wear your glasses during the helmet dive in Bora Bora.

Yes, while it takes you a few moments to get used to the pressure, once you’re too busy exploring the reefs, you easily forget that you’re breathing through a tube with oxygen flowing in constantly. You can breathe normally through the nose or mouth as you prefer. Just relax and have fun!

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Bora Bora Aqua Safari with Helmet

2 Hours, 8:30AM or 1:30PM Departures

• All guests of Motu resorts must arrange transportation to the hotel's base on the mainland for pickup/dropoff. Additional fees may apply.
• Guests of InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa – Pick up from InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort
• Guests of the Four Seasons and St Regis Resort, add $58pp, pick up from hotel's dock.

*Activity reservations may be made for all current Tahiti.com clients with minimum bookings of at least one night hotel and when made a minimum 5 business days prior to departure. For Tahiti.com clients traveling throughout French Polynesia on a cruise we are unable to book shore activities. For clients who have not made reservations with Tahiti.com, only private excursions may be requested on days that cruise ships are not in port, and a minimum booking fee of $50 per person will apply, subject to availability.

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Unraveling the Enchantment of the French Polynesian Islands: A Symphony of Colors and Charms

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Tahiti-French Polynesia Nature and Outdoor Activities Sporting Activities Coastal Couples

Reading time: 0 min Published on 3 August 2023, updated on 24 April 2024

Welcome to a realm of magic and allure, where pristine blue waters caress the sun-kissed shores, and the air is filled with the fragrant whispers of tropical blooms. Embark on a journey to the French Polynesian islands, a paradise nestled amidst the vast expanse of the majestic Pacific Ocean. Among these captivating isles, one gem shines with an ethereal beauty that has captured the hearts of travelers worldwide, Bora Bora.

Bora Bora: The Crown Jewel of French Polynesia

As you cast your gaze upon its stunning turquoise lagoon, fringed by powdery white beaches and embraced by the warm embrace of a coral reef, you'll be transported to a world where dreams take flight and reality merges with the realm of fairytales. Located northwest of the vibrant island of Tahiti, the mere 50-minute flight from Pape’ete unveils a land of wonder—an island that once housed an extinct volcano at its core, leaving a majestic legacy etched in its landscape.

Bora Bora's allure extends beyond the boundaries of land, beckoning adventurers to explore the world-famous lagoon, a sanctuary where marine life thrives in harmony. Dare to interact with gentle sharks and rays , gracefully gliding through the pristine waters, or embark on an exhilarating aqua safari helmet dive , immersing yourself in the underwater wonderland where vibrant fish and exquisite corals paint an enchanting canvas.

Bora Bora's Lagoon: A Symphony of Blues Beckons

Bora Bora's lagoon is more than just a body of water; it is a living, breathing masterpiece of nature's artistry, found in the heart of the enchanting French Polynesian islands. As you stand at the water's edge and gaze out at the vast expanse of azure, the colors seem to shift and dance like a symphony, each shade more captivating than the last. The lagoon's waters are a hypnotic blend of cobalt, cerulean, and turquoise, painting a mesmerizing canvas that captivates the soul.

Under the gentle caress of the sun, the blues take on a radiant glow, as if the heavens themselves have spilled their hues into the ocean of the French Polynesian islands. The interplay of light and water creates a kaleidoscope of shades, from the deepest indigo to the softest baby blue, showcasing the rich diversity that the French Polynesian islands have to offer. It's a sight that artists and poets have tried to capture in their works, yet the true beauty of Bora Bora's lagoon can only be fully appreciated in person, just as one must venture to the French Polynesian islands to witness their true magnificence.

As you dip your toes into the cool, crystalline waters of Bora Bora's lagoon, you can feel the magic that permeates the air of the French Polynesian islands. The lagoon is alive with marine life, and if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of playful dolphins or graceful stingrays gliding beneath the surface, a testament to the thriving ecosystem of the French Polynesian islands. Snorkeling in the lagoon is like entering a living aquarium, where colorful fish dart in and out of coral gardens, and vibrant sea creatures put on a dazzling show, all while surrounded by the natural beauty of the French Polynesian islands.

In the distance, the barrier reef encircles the lagoon like a protective embrace, creating a natural sanctuary for the marine life that calls this place home, an integral part of the ecological balance of the French Polynesian islands. The reef's hues blend seamlessly with the ever-changing blues of the water, adding depth and texture to the already breathtaking panorama, showcasing the harmony of nature that the French Polynesian islands epitomize.

At sunset, the lagoon takes on a whole new personality in the French Polynesian islands. The blues deepen into purples and pinks, and the sky becomes a canvas of pastel hues that reflect in the mirror-like surface of the water, creating a magical ambiance unique to the French Polynesian islands. It's a moment of pure magic, as if the universe has conspired to create a symphony of colors just for you, a true spectacle of nature found within the embrace of the French Polynesian islands.

As the stars emerge in the velvety night sky of the French Polynesian islands, the lagoon takes on a mysterious allure. The water sparkles with bioluminescence, a natural light show that enchants and enchants all who witness it, reminding us of the mystical allure of the French Polynesian islands. It's a reminder that nature is the greatest artist of all, painting the world with colors and wonders beyond our wildest imagination, leaving travelers in awe as they explore the wonders of the French Polynesian islands.

Bora Bora's lagoon is more than just a place; it's an experience that awakens the senses and touches the soul, inviting visitors to explore the breathtaking wonders of the French Polynesian islands. It's a reminder of the beauty and majesty of the natural world found within the realm of the French Polynesian islands, and a testament to the power of Mother Nature's artistry that continues to leave a lasting impression on those who have the privilege of experiencing the magic of the French Polynesian islands. To witness the symphony of blues in Bora Bora's lagoon within the embrace of the French Polynesian islands is to be forever changed, as you become a part of the magic that unfolds in this paradise on Earth, the enchanting French Polynesian islands.

Raiatea Island French Polynesia

Beyond the allure of Bora Bora, French Polynesia weaves a rich tapestry of islands, each showcasing their own unique beauty, awaiting discovery. Step into the embrace of Raiatea Island, the second-largest in the archipelago, where the rhythm of nature unfolds in harmony with a powerful cultural history. In contrast to bustling tourist hubs, Raiatea reveals its untouched landscapes, inviting wanderers to embark on a quest to witness the splendor of three breathtaking waterfalls. As the cascading waters cascade into crystalline pools, a serene oasis emerges—a sanctuary for weary souls to seek solace and find bliss amidst nature's bountiful embrace.

The island of Raiatea is the second biggest island in French Polynesia, with a very powerful cultural history. Not a lot of tourists come to this island as compared to Bora Bora or Tahiti but it is popular in its own right boasting of its natural beauty and landscapes. An example of this natural beauty are the three breathtaking waterfalls that guests can visit by hiking to them. They are magnificent, picturesque, and they make great swimming spots! Guests can also opt to take a wonderful cruise along the Faaroa , the only navigable river among the different islands. The cruise highlights again the natural wonders that are hidden within Raiatea. This is an experience that can’t be missed by nature lovers. For people who love to sail, the waters of French Polynesia should be among their bucket lists to explore. Raiatea Island is considered as the sailing hub of these waters and is the best starting point to explore the entire French Polynesian islands by sailing. This is a must for any sailing enthusiast.

Huahine Island: A Journey to the Garden of Eden

A mere whisper away, Huahine Island unveils its moniker, "The Garden of Eden," a lush sanctuary adorned with an abundance of tropical fruit trees and vibrant foliage. Here, history entwines with nature, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the ancient tales of the islands. Stroll amidst archaeological sites, where relics of the past whisper stories of a time long gone, and the subfossils of extinct birds unveil a fascinating narrative of the island's ecological past.

The locals of French Polynesia are gracious hosts, welcoming guests with open arms and hearts filled with warmth. In Huahine, indulge in a 4x4 tour to not only discover the island's hidden gems but also to embrace the spirit of the Polynesian people. Engage in the art of preparing Poe, a traditional dish celebrated on the islands, as you learn the age-old secrets of Polynesian culinary heritage. Huahine weaves history, culture, and the spirit of its people into a tale that touches the soul and leaves an indelible mark on every traveler's heart.

Huahine Island offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the Polynesian islands as well as get to know the people and their culture. This is definitely an experience that one cannot miss.

Taha'a Island: where vanilla perfumes the soul

As you venture to Taha'a Island, a sensory symphony of vanilla perfumes the air, earning it the endearing title of "The Vanilla Island." This slice of paradise is famed for producing 80% of Polynesia's world-renowned vanilla, a luscious treasure that has shaped the local economy and culture since its introduction in 1848. As you traverse the island's verdant landscapes, the sweet scent of vanilla infuses every breath, an ode to a cherished legacy that continues to thrive amidst the passage of time.

But Taha'a's allure extends far beyond the vanilla-scented air. Its warm turquoise waters teem with life, revealing an underwater paradise where marine creatures playfully dance among the vibrant corals. For snorkeling enthusiasts, Taha'a unveils a world of wonder, where rays, turtles, sharks, and a kaleidoscope of fish species enchant in a playful ballet. In these azure waters, even novice divers can take their initiation dive, immersing themselves in the magical embrace of an underwater aquarium like no other.

Because of the amount of marine life, Taha’a is one of the best places to snorkel or dive. And with the amount of marine life, any diver should take the opportunity to visit this great aquarium. For tourists who don’t know how to dive yet, they can take their initiation dive in these waters; and there is no better place to do one’s first dive.

In the heart of the Pacific, French Polynesia offers an unparalleled array of colors and charms, where nature and culture intertwine in a dance of endless wonder. From the surreal blues of Bora Bora's lagoon to the serene allure of Raiatea, the Eden-like landscapes of Huahine, and the sweet fragrances of Taha'a's vanilla-scented air, each island beckons with a story that echoes through the ages. As you set foot on these enchanting isles, be prepared to be captivated by the symphony of colors, the embrace of the warm-hearted people, and the timeless allure of a world untouched by time. In French Polynesia, reality transcends into a realm of dreams, where the spirit of paradise unfurls its wings and invites you to dance amid the unbridled charms of a tropical wonderland.

French Polynesia is home to a lot of different islands and each of them have their own claims to fame making the experience on each island very unique and memorable. The only problem is, it makes our bucket lists that much longer!

For those who want to visit the different islands of French Polynesia, contact our Tahiti Travel Specialists today at 1300 858 305 or [email protected]

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Korolyov or Korolev is an industrial city in Moscow Oblast, Russia, well known as the cradle of Soviet and Russian space exploration. As of the 2010 Census, its population was 183,402, the largest as a science city. As of 2018, the population was more than 222,000 people. It was known as Kaliningrad from 1938 to 1996 and served as the leading Soviet center for production of anti-tank and air-defense guns. In 1946, in the aftermath of World War II, the artillery plant was reconstructed for production of rockets, launch vehicles, and spacecraft, under the guidance of Russian scientist and academician Sergei Korolev, who envisioned, consolidated and guided the activities of many people in the Soviet space-exploration program. The plant later became known as the RKK Energia; when the Vostok space vehicle was being developed, this research center was designated as NII-88 or POB 989.

More information and contact

Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korolyov,_Moscow_Oblast

Official Website http://www.korolev.ru/

Coordinates 55°55'13.763" N 37°49'57.464" E

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Sergei Pavlovich Korolev – the Father of Practical Astronautics

Sergei Korolev (1907 – 1966), Soviet Union 1969 CPA 3731 stamp

On January 12, 1907, lead Soviet rocket engineer and spacecraft designer during the Space Race Sergei Korolev was born. Korolev is regarded by many as the “father of practical astronautics “. He was involved in the development of the R-7 Rocket , Sputnik 1 ,[ 1 ] launching Laika , Belka and Strelka  and the first human being, Yuri Gagarin ,[ 2 ] into space.

“Today we are witnesses to the fulfillment of the dream that occupied some outstanding people, among them Tsiolkovsky. He had prophesied that mankind will not stay on Earth forever. Sputnik is the first confirmation of his predictions. The opening up of space has begun.” – Sergei Korolev, on the night of October 5, 1957, after the successful launch of Sputnik 1.[8]

Sergei Korolev – Youth and Education

Korolev was born in Zhytomyr , the capital of Volhynian Governorate of the Russian Empire. His parents, Russian teachers Maria Nikolaevna Balanina (née Moskalenko),  from a wealthy merchant family with Greek and Cossack roots, and Pavel Yakovlevich Korolev, who was  of Belarusian origin, separated just three years after his birth. Korolev grew up with his grandparents in Neshin . When he was ten years old, the family moved to Odessa . There he completed an apprenticeship as a bricklayer and roofer. Korolev showed an early interest in aviation and, in addition to his job, worked at the local glider club, constructing his first glider K-5 at the age of 17. In 1925, Korolev began studying at the Kiev Polytechnic Institute . When the Kiev faculty was closed, he transferred to Moscow Technical University (MWTU) in 1926 and graduated. Before that, he completed an internship at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (ZAGI), where he came into contact with the design of powered aircraft. In 1929, together with S. N. Lyushin, Korolev developed and built the Koktebel glider. In the same year, under the guidance of Andrei Tupolev, Korolev created his first powered aircraft SK-4 as his diploma thesis.

First Experiments with Rockets

In the 1930s, Korolev began building rockets as part of MosGIRD, a group founded in 1931 to research recoil propulsion systems. There he received essential impulses for his later work from Friedrich Zander . Together with Zander, whom he considered a mentor, he was involved in the design and construction of the first Soviet hybrid rockets GIRD-09 and GIRD-X , among others. In 1933, he moved to the Rocket Research Institute (RNII) and became head of the Rocket Missile Department in 1934. In the same year, his scientific treatise The Rocket Flight into the Stratosphere was published.

The Great Terror

While working on the RP-318-I rocket-powered glider, Korolyev was arrested by the NKVD’s secret political police during the Great Terror on June 27, 1938. After two days of torture and threats against his family, he signed a confession in which he was forced to identify himself as a member of a counterrevolutionary Trotskyist conspiracy and a participant in acts of sabotage to obstruct development work. He had been denounced under duress by Valentin Glushko ,[ 3 ] who had been arrested three months earlier and who himself spent the period until 1944 in prison. Although innocent, Korolev was sentenced without formal trial on to ten years of hard labor in the gulag and five years of loss of civil rights. After spending time in several prisons and prolonged transportation, he arrived at the notorious Maldyak labor camp in 1939, where he nearly starved to death and became so ill with scurvy that his lower jaw was severely damaged and he lost many teeth.

In the First Circle of Hell

Through interventions of his mother with the support of the well-known pilots Mikhail Gromov and Valentina Grisodubova, the USSR Supreme Court overturned the previous sentence and Korolev was recalled from Maldyak only in November 1939. After renewed interventions by his mother and Gromov with NKVD People’s Commissar Lavrenti Beria , he was sent to the special design office of aircraft designer Andrei Tupolev , who had already supervised Korolyov’s thesis and was also imprisoned. The ZKB-29 special camp for scientists and engineers was under the control of the NKVD and was described from personal experience by Alexander Solzhenitsyn in the novel The First Circle of Hell . The ZKB-29 developed the Tupolev Tu-2 dive bomber in Omsk in September 1942.

Petlyakov Pe-2, co-developed by Sergei Korolev

Korolev applied for a job at an aircraft engine plant in Kazan , where Glushko headed the OKB-16 special design bureau for rocket engines under Sharashka conditions. Korolev participated in the development of the Petlyakov Pe-2 multirole aircraft to improve takeoff performance and climb performance with a switchable rocket engine. In 1944, Korolyov and Glushko were paroled from prison early and continued their work on rocket developments as employed engineers of OKB-16. However, Korolev was not officially rehabilitated until April 18, 1957. Korolev’s six-year imprisonment in the Gulag was erased from Communist accounts of the history of technology.

Becoming Chief Designer

After World War II, Korolev rose to become the chief designer of the initially military-only Soviet missile program within the NII (Scientific Research Institute). Korolev’s identity was kept secret during his lifetime, and in public he was referred to only anonymously as the “chief designer.” Korolev’s goal was to develop a civilian rocket program. In 1945, now holding the rank of colonel in the Red Army, he was ordered to Soviet headquarters in Berlin with other engineers and technicians. He was given the task of studying the German rocket program and locating associates of rocket engineer Wernher von Braun who remained in Germany.

The first A4 rocket (from German stocks) is transported to the launch site on a truck trailer. It was launched on 18 October 1947 from the Kapustin Yar test site, Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, CC-BY-4.0

The Soviets placed a priority on reproducing lost documentation on the A4 rocket, and studying the various parts and captured manufacturing facilities. That work continued in East Germany until late 1946, when 2,000+ German scientists and engineers were sent to the USSR through Operation Osoaviakhim . Most of the German experts, Helmut Gröttrup being an exception, were engineers and technicians involved in wartime mass-production of A4, and they had not worked directly with Wernher von Braun. Korolev returned to the Soviet Union in 1946 with plans of German designs and German rocket designers. Among others, Wernher von Braun’s assistant Helmut Gröttrup and aerodynamicist Werner Albring worked on rocket technology development under Korolev’s direction in Kaliningrad (in Moscow oblast) and on Gorodomlya Island (now Solnetchny settlement) in Lake Seliger during this period. The first design resulting from this cooperation was the R-1 rocket of 1948, a copy of the German A4 based on materials available in the Soviet Union. Unlike the U.S., which brought German scientists to the U.S. with its Operation Overcast and ensured their naturalization and retention in the U.S. as early as 1946 with Operation Paperclip, the Soviet Union merely siphoned off their knowledge and used it in the crucial steps for spaceflight.

The Soviet Space Programme

Among Korolyov’s greatest achievements were the construction of the R-7 – the world’s first intercontinental ballistic missile – and the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957,[ 1 ] but most importantly, the first space flight by a human, Yuri Gagarin , in 1961.[ 2 ] The R-7  was a two-stage rocket with a maximum payload of 5.4 tons, sufficient to carry the Soviets’ bulky  nuclear bomb  an impressive distance of 7,000 kilometres. However, despite the Soviet R-7 initial success, it experienced later failures as it was not intended to be a practical weapon. Sputnik 1 was designed and constructed in less than a month with Korolev personally managing the assembly at a hectic pace. The satellite was a simple polished metal sphere no bigger than a beach ball, containing batteries that powered a transmitter using 4 external communication antennas. Sputnik 1 was successfully completed and launched into space on 4 October 1957 using a rocket that had successfully launched only once before. After gaining approval from the government, a modified version of Korolev’s R-7 was used to launch Yuri Gagarin into orbit on 12 April 1961, which was before the United States was able to put Alan Shepard into space.

Variants of the R-7 Rocket, (NASA)

Korolev’s group was also working on ambitious programs for missions to Mars and Venus , putting a man in orbit, launching communication, spy and weather satellites, and making a soft-landing on the Moon.

Health Problems and Early Death

In December 1960, Korolev suffered a heart attack, which was followed by others. His cardiac arrhythmias were joined by internal bleeding and intestinal problems. Korolyev was admitted to a Moscow hospital. Doctors were going to remove painful hemorrhoids in a routine operation in January 1966, but in the meantime they discovered a large tumor in his colon and put him under general anesthesia. Tracheal intubation, necessary due to circulatory weakness, failed due to scurvy-related jaw abnormality as a late consequence of Gulag imprisonment; this caused his death on January 14, 1966. The Soviet government honored him by burying his urn in the Kremlin wall. In 1996, the city of Kaliningrad in Moscow Oblast, where he headed the experimental design bureau OKB-1 as chief designer from 1950, was renamed after him.

Losing the Race to the Moon

With Korolev’s death, the Soviet space and lunar programs suffered a bitter loss. Although work on the N1 lunar rocket was continued by his collaborator Vasily Mishin , it was discontinued in 1974 after several launch failures.[ 4 ] The identity of the chief designer remained a state secret in the Soviet Union during his lifetime. While in the U.S. his adversary Wernher von Braun made a high-profile appearance in the press and on television, Korolev was not known even in his own country. When, after the successful launch of Sputnik 1, the Nobel Prize Committee asked Nikita Khrushchev for the name of the chief designer, he replied that it had been the work of the entire Soviet people and that they had thus deserved the award. Only on the occasion of the state funeral in Moscow was this secret revealed.

References and Further Reading:

• [1]  The Sputnik Shock and the Start of the Space Race , SciHi Blog
• [2]  Yuri Gagarin – the first Man in Space , SciHi Blog
• [3]  Valentin Glushko and the Space Race , SciHi Blog
• [4]  The Russian Dream to Land a Man on the Moon , SciHi Blog
• [5]  “Sergei Korolev: Father of the Soviet Union’s success in space” .  www.esa.int .
• [6]  West, John B. (1 October 2001).  “Historical aspects of the early Soviet/ Russian crewed space program” .  Journal of Applied Physiology .  91  (4): 1501–1511.
• [7]    “Sputnik Biographies–Sergei P. Korolev (1906-1966)” .   history.nasa.gov .
• [8]  Joachim Kutzner, Kurt Kobler:  Der Sputnikschock.  4. April 2004
• [9]  The 2021 John J. Rhodes Lecture: Expanded Space Exploration , A Discussion with NASA Astronaut, Dr. Shannon Walker & Ambassador Barbara Barrett, Barrett Honors College @ youtube
• [10] Sergei Korolev at Wikidata
• [11] Timeline for Sergei Korolev , via Wikidata

Harald Sack

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