Georgi Ivanov
Georgi Ivanov (actually Kakalow; born July 2, 1940 in Lovech, Bulgaria ) was the first Bulgarian cosmonaut. He changed his name to Ivanov, because his surname means an obscenity in Russian.
Ivanov was Major General of the Bulgarian Air Force, when he applied as a cosmonaut for the Intercosmos program, the socialist countries the opportunity offered to cooperate with the Soviet Union in space.
On April 10, 1979, he launched together with Nikolai Rukavishnikov from Baikonur to the mission Soyuz 33 The length of stay in space was 47 hours, or 31 times around the world. A coupling to the Salyut 6 space station was planned but could not be performed due to engine damage. The mission was canceled and ended with an emergency landing far from the predicted target area.
Later Ivanov became a member of the Bulgarian National Assembly. He is married and has one daughter.