Commander of the Conquerors of Space: Karim Karimov
History sometimes produces individuals who not only become legends of their own era but also leave a lasting impression on future generations. These personalities complete their life journey quietly and without fanfare, yet leave profoundly deep marks behind. One such individual is General Karim Karimov — a Soviet engineer and scientist, Lieutenant General of Artillery, Chairman of the State Commission for Manned Spaceflight Testing, and one of the founders of the Soviet space program. He was one of the most brilliant scientific figures of his time, a pioneer of technological thinking, and a respected individual etched in our national memory.
Karim Abbasali oglu Karimov was born in 1917 in Baku. His mother, Surayya Haji Asadulla gizi Karimova (Ahmadova), was among the first graduates of the Baku Girls’ School built by philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev. His father, Abbasali, received a technical education in Saint Petersburg and returned to Azerbaijan to work in the oil industry. From the age of five, Karim studied the Holy Quran at a religious school opened by his grandfather near the Taza Pir Mosque. His younger brother, Mustafa Karimov, was a well-known Soviet Turkologist who lived in Moscow. Karim Karimov’s wife, Zarifa Mammad-Hanifa gizi, dedicated her entire life to him and rejoiced in his achievements. Their daughter, Surayya, who passed away a few years ago, also achieved significant success in science and held a doctorate in technical sciences.
Karim Karimov stood out from a young age for his scientific curiosity, precision, and high intellect. His passion for technical fields led him from Baku to Moscow — the cradle of aviation and space industry. The education he received there and his later contributions made him one of the leading figures in the USSR’s rocket and space program. His diligence, precision, and principled nature earned him great respect in scientific circles. Karim Karimov was a person who never felt the need to showcase his status. His modesty, honesty, and sense of responsibility made him a role model for both his colleagues and students. Years later, those who spoke about him referred to him as a “soldier of science” — as if he had spent his entire life fighting on a scientific front.
In the memories of his colleagues, Karim Karimov is also remembered as an extremely caring individual. He sought excellence not only in the work process but also in human relationships. He took a special interest in young specialists, guiding them and expressing his criticisms calmly and convincingly. Every young expert who left his office would feel more confident, more responsible, and more thoughtful.
Lieutenant General Karim Karimov was one of the founders of the Soviet space program. Information about him was kept classified for many years. Although his name appeared in open media only in 1987, he had, in fact, been a member of the group that launched the first satellite, Sputnik-1, into orbit in 1957. He also took part in the State Commission of the Vostok program that enabled Yuri Gagarin’s first space flight in 1961.
Karimov worked on the development of rocket technologies during both World War I and World War II and played a leading role in Soviet cosmonautics in the subsequent decades. Under his leadership, the successful docking of the Cosmos-186 and Cosmos-188 spacecrafts in orbit was achieved in 1967. In the 1970s and 1980s, the first “Salyut” space station projects were carried out under his supervision. Additionally, he served as a consultant in the creation of the Mir orbital station.
From 1966 to 1991, he was the chairman of the State Commission for Manned Spacecraft Tests of the Soviet Union. Although he retired in 1990, he continued working as a consultant at the Mission Control Center until the end of his life.
Karim Karimov’s colleagues emphasized his disciplined, modest, and energetic personality. He dedicated his entire life to space and, for over 50 years, was involved in the creation of spacecraft and rocket technology. Karim Karimov was a man of simple character, hardworking, and full of energy, known for his ability to make decisions in the shortest time possible. At a memorial ceremony, former Azerbaijani ambassador Polad Bülbüloğlu described him as “a very serious, modest person,” saying: “Looking at him, you would never guess that he held so many high awards and ranks.” Those close to him especially highlighted Karim Karimov’s humility and loyalty to his principles.
Karim Karimov’s colleagues highly valued his authority both as a commander and as a person. Natalia Krivetsova-Korolyova, the daughter of Sergey Korolyov, recalled that Karim Karimov used to celebrate Korolyov’s birthday in their family home. Those who attended his funeral spoke of him with sincere and respectful words. His niece, Maryam Karimova, who lives in Russia, emphasized that it was Karim Karimov who sent Soviet cosmonauts into space and who helped create the “Mir” station.
During the Soviet era, no official information was released about Karim Karimov, but in independent Azerbaijan, his legacy has been widely covered by the media. The National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, always paid special attention to achievements in the field of space exploration, as well as to prominent scientists and experts working in this domain. On his initiative, an international conference was held in Baku in 1973 with the participation of renowned scientists and cosmonauts from various countries. Academician Karim Karimov was one of the primary recipients of this attention and state care. He was frequently received by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and his work was highly appreciated. It was at Heydar Aliyev’s initiative and by his decree that Karim Karimov was awarded the high state decoration — the Order of Honor.
The President of independent Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, has successfully continued this strategic course. In November 2007, President Ilham Aliyev signed a special decree on the celebration of the 90th anniversary of Karim Karimov’s birth. This decision went down in history as a vivid example of the high regard given to Azerbaijan’s distinguished scientists and national scientific heritage.
In 2007, a commemorative Azerbaijani postage stamp dedicated to General Karim Karimov’s jubilee was issued. His role as Chairman of the State Commission for Manned Space Flights was depicted on the stamp under the title “Commander of the Conquerors of Space,” and a documentary film of the same name was produced. In 2017, on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary, a jubilee event was held at the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), where academics highly praised his unparalleled contributions to the creation of space rockets and satellites. Interviews and memorial articles dedicated to Karim Karimov are regularly published in Azerbaijan’s media outlets
General Karim Karimov will always be remembered as the unsung hero of Soviet cosmonautics. Known as a disciplined, efficient, and humble leader, he dedicated his entire life to serving his homeland. The projects he led brought the USSR remarkable achievements that made it a leader in the space race. Friends and colleagues remember him with respect and gratitude. Today, both Azerbaijani and international media honor his memory as a source of national pride.
Author: Saida Musayeva, Editor-in-Chief of Fortuna Magazine
