This tie belonged to Sergey Pavlovich Korolyov, the USSR’s main developer of rocket and space technology. It is a classically styled man’s tie from the 1960s, suitable for everyday wear, but also appropriate for formal events. It is made of a dark grey-blue silk material. It has a checked design, with diagonal stripes. The lining is made of white material. The back of the tie clearly shows its quality, and that it belonged to an important person.

This item comes from the collection of Sergey Korolyov’s personal belongings. In 1993 it was given to the Kirov Combined Historical, Architectural and Literary Museum by Sergey Korolyov’s wife, Nina Ivanovna Korolyova. After the death of her husband, Nina Korolyova was very active in promoting awareness of his ideas — and founded museums which keep the memory of the great rocket scientist alive.

Sergey Korolyov was the main developer of space rockets and the founder of the practical space exploration program. He gave physical form to the visionary ideas of Konstantin Eduardovich Tsiolkovsky, who had developed the theoretical basis for the space program and predicted that manned missions would be sent into space. Under the leadership of Sergey Korolyov the first ballistic rockets burning stable fuel were developed, the first artificial satellites were launched, and the first living beings and interplanetary probes were sent into space. It was Sergey Korolyov who oversaw Yuriy Gagarin’s pioneering flight into space.

He also oversaw the development of the first orbital stations, drew up plans for the colonization of the Moon and Mars, and created designs for the spacecraft of the future. Sergey Korolyov was awarded the honor of Hero of Socialist Labor twice and the Order of Lenin three times, as well as the Sign of Honor, the Lenin Prize, the status of Academician of the USSR, and Honored Citizen of the cities of Korolyov, Kaluga and Baikonur. His achievements gave a powerful boost to the whole scientific and technical sector in the USSR, and many of his innovations are still in use. Thanks to the work of this great engineer the USSR gained the status of the leading global rocket and space power.