Aurelijus Navickas
Aurelijus Navickas | |
|---|---|
_-_Restoration.jpg) Navickas in Krasno, 1961 | |
| Born | May 17, 1931 |
| Died | April 2, 1973 (aged 41) |
| Resting place | Memorial, Krasno, Hytekia |
| Nationality |  Hytekojuznia |
| Occupation | Pilot, cosmonaut |
| Awards | Hero of the Juznik Republic (Posthumous) |
| Space career | |
| Hytekojuznik cosmonaut | |
Time in space | 1 hour, 48 minutes |
| Memorials | Juznik National Memorial to Aurelijus Navickas |
Aurelijus Navickas (Hytek: Aurelijus Novickis; 17 May 1931 - 2 April 1973; aged 41) was a Hytekojuznik air force pilot and cosmonaut. In 1964 he became the first human ever to journey into outer space, achieving what was heralded as a major step for mankind and a major step in the space program of Hytekojuznia. Following his expedition Navickas became well-known across Gaia for his mission and won numerous awards, including being the only person to be awarded the Hero of the Juznik Republic award.
Navickas was born into a family of peasants in the village of Mažnaujiena. He initially served in the Hytekojuznik air force before being selected for the Hytekojuznik space programme as a cosmonaut. Following his successful mission he was often invited to speak at high state events and was even once considered for the role of Minister of Science, although he declined.
Following the Zobens mission Navickas was banned from flying ever again due to the fear of an accident involving him could turn the public against the space program. He was assigned the role of Training Director at the National Cosmonaut Training Centre for HKOT, a role he continued to serve in until his death. In 1973 whilst he was on a plane carrying various government officials from across Erdara there was an accident in which Navickas died.