Alexei Leonov: Handwritten and Signed Report on the First Human Spacewalk aboard Voskhod 2, March 18-19, 1965 [with] Signed P...

Description

Mankind's first "spacewalk" as described by Leonov

Alexei Leonov: Handwritten and Signed Report on the First Human Spacewalk aboard Voskhod 2, March 18-19, 1965 [with] Signed Printed Copy of a Similar Report. A two-page 8.5" x 11" Cyrillic handwritten report in blue ink by Cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, the first human to walk in space, written after the Voskhod-2 mission. In this official style debrief, Leonov summarizes the flight objectives, his historic extravehicular activity (EVA), and the technical and physical challenges encountered outside the spacecraft.

Leonov details his exit through the inflatable airlock, his observations of Earth from orbit, and the difficulty re-entering the spacecraft due to the overinflated Berkut spacesuit, an event that nearly ended in disaster. He reports maintaining stable communications throughout, successfully completing the EVA in 10 minutes and 20 seconds, and landing safely (though far off-target) 535 kilometers from the intended recovery zone. The second page provides formal mission conclusions, affirming that the suit and airlock systems functioned reliably and that a human could perform independent operations in open space for an extended period. The report concludes with Leonov's signature and rank: "Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR, Lieutenant Colonel A. Leonov." View a full translation on our website. Excellent.

Also included in the lot is an 8.25" x 11.625" photocopy of Leonov's mission description as it appears in the official FAI report (in this sale), signed at lower edge.

This is a seminal firsthand account of humankind's first spacewalk (EVA), written by the man who performed it. Leonov's concise yet vivid language captures both the technical precision and the courage behind one of the Cold War's defining moments. Such original handwritten material from Leonov relating directly to the Voskhod-2 flight is of the utmost rarity and historical importance, marking the birth of extravehicular human space activity. From an important collection of Soviet-era Space history

More Information: Report of USSR cosmonaut, Lieutenant Colonel Leonov, Alexei Arkadyevich, on his flight aboard Spacecraft "Voskhod-2" from 18 to 19 March 1965

In accordance with the mission plan of the spacecraft Voskhod-2, on 18 March 1965, after the completion of scheduled operations, I exited the spacecraft through the inflatable airlock. The purpose of this operation was to perform observations and tests outside the spacecraft in free flight.

Upon leaving the airlock, I switched on the life-support and radio systems, adjusted body position relative to the spacecraft, and began to carry out visual observations of the spacecraft and Earth's surface. I experienced an increase in volume of the spacesuit as a result of internal pressure, which somewhat limited body movement.

Communication with the spacecraft crew and ground control remained stable.
After about 10 minutes 20 seconds of free flight, I began returning to the airlock. The return presented certain difficulties: due to the inflated suit I had to use considerable physical effort to enter the airlock hatch. Nevertheless, I successfully entered the airlock and, following depressurization, re-entered the cabin.

In the process of free flight I conducted visual observations of the horizon, the atmosphere, and the terrain. The program of observations was fulfilled completely, and the cosmic apparatus systems worked reliably.

During descent, the spacecraft deviated from the planned landing zone by about 535 kilometers. After landing in a forested area, the crew freed themselves from the cabin, ensured the shutdown of onboard systems, and prepared for the arrival of the search-and-rescue group.

While waiting, the crew worked to maintain body warmth, marked the landing site, and established radio contact with aircraft circling overhead. The first contact with the search group occurred the next morning.

During the period of waiting, the crew behaved calmly and confidently, maintaining discipline and readiness for further operations.

From the flight, the following conclusions can be drawn:
The spacesuit design and life-support systems fully ensured human life outside the spacecraft.
A person in an inflated spacesuit, following appropriate training, is capable of performing necessary movements and operations in open space, although some difficulty is caused by stiffness and restricted mobility.
The airlock system functioned reliably, providing safe exit and return of the cosmonaut.
The results of the mission confirm the possibility of a human's independent work in outer space for a prolonged period.

Reported by:
Cosmonaut of the USSR,
Lieutenant Colonel
Leonov A. A.
[signed]