Renowned Russian polar scientist and explorer Artur Chilingarov, aged 84, passed away. Known for his significant contributions to Arctic and Antarctic exploration, Chilingarov was a decorated Hero of the Soviet Union and Russia.
Artur Chilingarov Passes Away at 84
Artur Chilingarov, a distinguished Russian polar scientist, explorer, and long-serving parliament member, passed away on Saturday at the age of 84, according to the speaker of the state Duma lower house. Chilingarov was born in the city then known as Leningrad to Russian and Armenian parents, spending much of his childhood in Russia’s North Caucasus region.
Since the early 1970s, he was at the forefront of Russian scientific endeavors in the Arctic and Antarctic, participating in missions to both poles and advocating for Russia’s claims to the Arctic.
Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin noted that Chilingarov’s achievements were “an example to us all.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been friends with Chilingarov for many years and extended his condolences.
In 1999, Chilingarov oversaw an extended helicopter flight in the Arctic to demonstrate its viability as a means of transport. He also led a 2007 Arctic expedition, diving to a depth of 4,261 meters (13,979 feet) in a submersible and planting a Russian tricolor titanium flag on the seabed near the North Pole.
Chilingarov was honored as a Hero of the Soviet Union and Russia, the nation’s highest accolade. He was first elected to the Duma in 1993 and served multiple terms in both houses of parliament as a senior member of Putin’s United Russia party and a corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences, remaining a Duma member until his death.
About Artur Chilingarov
- Full Name: Artur Chilingarov
- Date of Death: Passed away on June 01, 2024 (Saturday) at age 84
- Profession: Polar scientist, explorer, and veteran member of the Russian parliament
- Early Life:
- Born in the city then known as Leningrad to Russian and Armenian parents
- Spent much of his childhood in Russia’s North Caucasus region
- Scientific Contributions:
- Prominent in Russian scientific achievements in the Arctic and Antarctic since the early 1970s
- Participated in missions to both the North and South Poles
- Advocate for Russia’s claim to the Arctic
- Notable Expeditions:
- Led a 1999 extended helicopter flight in the Arctic to demonstrate its viability as a transport method
- Headed a 2007 Arctic expedition, diving to a depth of 4,261 meters (13,979 feet) and planting a Russian tricolor titanium flag on the seabed near the North Pole
- Political Career:
- Elected to the Duma in 1993
- Senior member of Putin’s United Russia party
- Corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences
- Served multiple terms in both houses of parliament, remaining a Duma member until his death
- Honors:
- Named a Hero of the Soviet Union and Russia, the country’s highest honor
- Personal Connections:
- Friends with Russian President Vladimir Putin
- Recognized by Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov for his significant contributions and leadership
RIP Artur Chilingarov
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