Sergei Korolev, Chief Designer

Sergei Korolev's identity as Chief Designer of the Soviet space programme remained hidden until after his death in 1966. It has been claimed that the authorities were fearful of naming him in case he became a target for foreign assassins. This portrait depicts Korolev against a stylised background of rockets and technicians working on the Luna 9 space probe.

Source: The State Tretyakov Gallery
Credit: The State Tretyakov Gallery
Object no: L2014-4264