Births on January 1

Abdul Ahad Mohmand, Afghan colonel, pilot, and astronaut

Abdul Ahad Momand (Pashto: عبدالاحد مومند), born in 1959, holds a unique and pioneering place in the annals of space exploration. As a distinguished former Afghan Air Force aviator, he achieved the extraordinary distinction of becoming the first, and to date, the only Afghan citizen to journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere into outer space. This monumental feat cemented his legacy not only for Afghanistan but also within the global history of human spaceflight, marking a significant milestone for his nation in the realm of cosmic discovery.

The Historic Soyuz TM-6 Mission and the Mir Space Station

Momand’s historic space voyage took place in 1988 as part of the Soviet Union’s ambitious Intercosmos program. This pioneering international collaborative space program was strategically designed to offer opportunities for cosmonauts from allied nations to participate in space missions, thereby sharing scientific knowledge, fostering international cooperation in space exploration, and demonstrating the universality of scientific endeavor. Abdul Ahad Momand was meticulously selected as a Research Cosmonaut for the Soyuz TM-6 mission, highlighting his exceptional skills and dedication.

Launched on August 29, 1988, Momand, alongside seasoned Soviet cosmonauts Vladimir Lyakhov and Valery Polyakov, embarked on a profound nine-day mission. Their primary destination was the renowned Mir space station, a groundbreaking modular orbital station that served as a long-term research laboratory in low Earth orbit. During his intensive stay aboard Mir, Momand actively participated in a diverse range of scientific experiments, including crucial medical studies on the human body in microgravity, intricate biological observations, and advanced astrophysical research, contributing invaluable data and insights to the ongoing Soviet space program.

Pioneering Achievements and Unbreakable Records

Abdul Ahad Momand’s journey to space was indelibly marked by several groundbreaking achievements and personal records:

• First Afghan in Space: He stands as the sole citizen of Afghanistan to have ever traveled to outer space, a testament to his pioneering spirit and the capabilities fostered by the Afghan Air Force during that era. His journey represents a singular national accomplishment that continues to inspire.
• Pioneer of Pashto in Orbit: In a truly historic and culturally significant moment, Momand became the first cosmonaut to speak the Pashto language while in orbit. This landmark event occurred during a live telephone call to Afghanistan, a connection that captivated and united his nation. This call significantly marked Pashto as only the fourth language to be officially spoken from space, following Russian, English, and French, underscoring the global reach of human communication from beyond Earth.
• Fourth Muslim to Journey to Space: Abdul Ahad Momand also holds the notable distinction of being the fourth individual of Muslim faith to visit outer space. His distinguished predecessors in this groundbreaking journey included:
  • Sultan bin Salman Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, who made history aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-51-G) in June 1985 as a payload specialist, representing the Arab world.
  • Muhammed Faris of Syria, who flew on Soyuz TM-3 in July 1987, also serving as a research cosmonaut and further expanding Muslim representation in space.
  • Musa Manarov, a highly accomplished Soviet cosmonaut of Muslim heritage, who embarked on a record-breaking long-duration mission aboard Mir in December 1987 with Soyuz TM-4, and was notably on board Mir when Momand arrived, solidifying the presence of individuals of Muslim faith in long-duration spaceflight.
  This sequence of missions highlights the increasing diversity and international collaboration among those who ventured into the final frontier, reflecting a growing inclusivity in space exploration.

Life After Space and Current Status

Following his remarkable space mission, Abdul Ahad Momand continued to serve as an esteemed ambassador for space exploration and scientific education. He later relocated to Germany, where he subsequently acquired German citizenship, establishing a new chapter in his life. Today, he resides in Germany, maintaining a private life after his extraordinary and illustrious career as an aviator and cosmonaut, a true pioneer who transcended national boundaries to reach for the stars.

Why is Abdul Ahad Momand a Significant Figure in Space History?

Abdul Ahad Momand's journey transcends his individual accomplishment; it represents a profound and significant chapter in Afghanistan's scientific history and the broader narrative of international space cooperation during the Cold War era. His mission underscored the truly global reach of human endeavor in space, demonstrating with clarity that individuals from diverse nations and backgrounds could contribute to and participate in the grand exploration of the cosmos, fostering a legacy of shared discovery and aspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Abdul Ahad Momand

Who was the first Afghan in space?

Abdul Ahad Momand was the first and, as of now, the only Afghan citizen to journey to outer space.

When did Abdul Ahad Momand go to space?

He embarked on his historic mission aboard Soyuz TM-6 in August 1988.

How long did Abdul Ahad Momand spend in space?

He spent nine days aboard the Mir space station as an Intercosmos Research Cosmonaut.

What was special about Abdul Ahad Momand's mission regarding languages?

Abdul Ahad Momand was the first cosmonaut to speak the Pashto language from space during a telephone call to Afghanistan, making it the fourth language officially spoken in orbit.

Was Abdul Ahad Momand the first Muslim in space?

No, he was the fourth individual of Muslim faith to go to space, following Sultan bin Salman Al Saud, Muhammed Faris, and Musa Manarov.

What is Abdul Ahad Momand's current citizenship?

Abdul Ahad Momand is currently a German citizen, residing in Germany.