Russian Academy of Sciences academician Garry Popov, who led the development of engines for the Mir and ISS orbital stations, has died at the age of 91. The state corporation Roscosmos announced his death; the cause was not specified. His main area of research was electric rocket engines, and plasma injectors developed under his leadership operated on both stations.
Work for orbital stations
Popov’s contribution was in the field of electric rocket engines (EREs) and plasma devices for spacecraft. Roscosmos said that a new generation of EREs was developed under the scientist’s leadership, and plasma injectors based on pulsed plasma engines operated successfully aboard the Mir space station and the International Space Station.
For an orbital station, propulsion technology is part of the infrastructure that helps it carry out its work in orbit. The published statement gives no specific engine specifications, service periods, or number of units; the scale of Popov’s contribution is therefore described in terms of developing a new generation of EREs and using plasma injectors on two stations.
From MAI to leading a research institute
Popov’s career took him from assistant to professor at the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI). His career brought together teaching and research in space technology; he specialized in space transportation systems based on electric-propulsion transport modules.
In 1987, he became head of the Research Institute of Applied Mechanics and Electrodynamics, which had been established on his initiative. This stage is important to understanding his role: he was not only involved in developing individual devices, but also led a research organization working in applied mechanics, electrodynamics, and space propulsion.
Death announcement and biography
The state corporation Roscosmos announced the scientist’s death. In its statement, it offered condolences to Popov’s family and friends. The cause of death was not given, and the available information contains no further details.
Some reports give different dates of death: October 3 or 4, 2026. His age, however, is consistent: 91. Garry Popov was a Doctor of Technical Sciences and an academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences; he is also described as a Soviet and Russian mechanical engineer and scientist.
Recognition of his scientific work
Popov’s honors included the Order of the Badge of Honor and medals of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, First and Second Class. Along with his academic title and doctorate, these honors reflect recognition of his work in engineering science, although the statement does not provide a complete list of awards.
Electric propulsion technologies and their use in space transportation systems are at the center of his professional biography. The specific achievement highlighted by Roscosmos is that plasma injectors operated on Mir and the ISS; the statement gives no other quantitative measures or technical specifications.
Key takeaway: Garry Popov died at the age of 91; his scientific leadership was linked to the development of electric rocket engines and plasma injectors for Mir and the ISS.
Sources
- m.rumafia.io — “Academician Garry Popov dies in his 92nd year”
- newsroom24.ru — “Academician Garry Popov, engine designer, dies”
- kompromat1.online — “Academician Garry Popov, who led the development, dies”
- vlasti.io — “Academician Garry Popov, who headed the organization, dies”
