The message reads, in part:
“An outstanding representative of national and world astronautics, you were the first to step into unexplored outer space, thus writing a bright legendary page in the chronicles of the conquest of the Universe.
Your high professionalism, unparalleled courage and dedication to your chosen path have always helped you to successfully accomplish important tasks and achieve your goals.
I must also note your multifaceted social, educational, and creative activities.”
Alexei Leonov made two historic space flights: in March 1965, he became the first person in the world to go into outer space, and in July 1975, he participated in the first ever joint space flight of the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz-19 and the American Apollo with the docking of ships and exchange of astronauts.