Story perspectives

Today in History: Soyuz 11 tragedy kills three cosmonauts in space

6/29/2026

27 3

Summary

Story summary

On 29 June 1971, the Soyuz 11 capsule depressurised while its crew prepared for re-entry, killing cosmonauts Georgy Dobrovolsky, Vladislav Volkov and Viktor Patsayev. The trio had spent ten days aboard Salyut 1, the world’s first space station, and remain the only humans ever to die in space.

1 of 1

Story summary

On 29 June 1971, the Soyuz 11 capsule depressurised while its crew prepared for re-entry, killing cosmonauts Georgy Dobrovolsky, Vladislav Volkov and Viktor Patsayev. The trio had spent ten days aboard Salyut 1, the world’s first space station, and remain the only humans ever to die in space.