Nikolai Tikhomirov (chemical engineer)

Nikolai Ivanovich Tikhomirov was a Russian and Soviet chemical engineer born in November 1859. He changed his name from Nikolai Viktorovich Slyotov and worked on many important inventions throughout his life.

Tikhomirov was a specialist in rocket technology and founded the Gas Dynamics Laboratory, where he and his team did important research. He is especially known for helping to invent the Katyusha, a powerful rocket system used during wartime.

For his important contributions to science and technology, Tikhomirov was awarded the title of Hero of Socialist Labor in 1991, even though he had passed away many years before. Today, his memory lives on, and a crater on the far side of the Moon is named after him in honor of his work.

Biography

Born in November 1859 in Moscow, Nikolai Tikhomirov grew up in a noble family. Originally named Nikolai Slyotov, he later adopted the name Tikhomirov from a childhood friend.

After finishing school, he studied chemistry at Imperial Moscow University. He then worked in labs and factories, writing books about wool production. He moved to Ukraine where he worked with big sugar companies and invented new ways to make sugar, along with useful devices for factories.

Starting in 1894, Tikhomirov began studying rockets, creating small models that moved using explosions. In 1909, he returned to Moscow to continue his inventions. He designed rockets that used burning liquids or explosives to move and shared his ideas with leaders, who supported his work.

In 1921, with a friend, he started a small workshop where they built and tested rockets. This workshop later became the Gas Dynamics Laboratory, where they developed new rocket technology. His work helped create the famous Katyusha rocket launcher. Tikhomirov passed away on 28 April 1930 in Leningrad.

Awards and recognition

• In 1970, the International Astronomical Union named a crater on the far side of the Moon after Tikhomirov.
• In 1987, a memorial plaque was placed in Leningrad to honor Tikhomirov for his work in rocket technology.
• In 1991, Tikhomirov and his team received recognition for creating the Katyusha rocket launcher. They were awarded the title of Heroes of Socialist Labor.