site.btaUPDATED Second Bulgarian Cosmonaut Alexander Alexandrov Dies at 74

Alexander Alexandrov, Bulgaria's second cosmonaut, died at the age of 74, Prime Minister Rumen Radev wrote on Facebook on Friday.

Alexandrov lifted off aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz TM-5 on June 7, 1988. He spent nine days and 20 hours in space, including seven days aboard the Mir Space Station.

Bulgaria has had only one other cosmonaut, Georgi Ivanov, who was on the Soyuz 33 space mission in April 1979.

The Prime Minister wrote: "We have lost Major General Alexander Alexandrov, a Bulgarian cosmonaut, an outstanding military pilot and a worthy son of Bulgaria. Maj. Gen. Alexandrov belonged to that generation of Bulgarian officers for whom duty to the homeland, professional excellence, and the pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement were the highest values."

Radev, himself a retired major general who served as the commander of the Bulgarian Air Force from 2014 to 2016, said that Alexandrov's journey into space in 1988 "was not only an exceptional milestone in his professional career but also a historic moment for Bulgaria, strengthening the country's standing among nations that have contributed to space exploration."

"As a pilot and officer, he left behind an example of discipline, courage and dedication. His legacy forms part of the proud history of Bulgarian aviation and the tradition of those who devoted their lives to conquering the skies and expanding the horizons of human achievement," the Prime Minister added.

He extended his deepest condolences to Alexandrov's family and loved ones. "May his example continue to inspire all those who follow the path of knowledge, honour and service to the homeland," Radev said.