Last years of life

During the last years of his life S.R Korolyov worked on the design for the Soyuz manned spacecraft that would be able to dock with another craft in orbit and exchange crews.

On December 3, 1960, Korolyov suf­fered his first heart attack. He was warned by the doctors that he would not live long if he continued to work as intensely as he had. However, Korolyov continued to work even more intensely than before. By 1962, Korolyov's health problems were beginning to accumulate and he was suffering from numerous ailments. The mounting pressure of his schedule was also taking a toll, and he was suffering from fatigue.

S.R Korolyov died before he could see his various plans brought to fruition at the height of his career on January 14, 1966. He was buried with state honors in the Kremlin wall.

Awards and honors

S.R Korolyov was twice bestowed the title of Hero of Socialist Labor, in 1956 and 1961. He was also a Lenin Prize winner in 1957, and was awarded the Order of Lenin three times.

A street in Moscow was named after Sergei Korolyov in 1966 and is now called Ulitsa Akademika Korolyova (Academician Korolyov Street). The town of Kaliningrad (formerly Podlipki), the home of Rocket and Space Corporation (RSC) Energia, the largest space company in Russia, was renamed to Korolyov. RSC Energia was also renamed to S.P. Korolyov Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.

Alfred the Great

Bom: Wantage, Berkshire, 849. Ascended the Throne: 23 April 871 Coronation: Kingston-upon-Thames, 871 Married: EthelswHha, a Mercian princess Children: Three sons and three daughters Died: 899

Buried: Newminster Abbey, Winchester

Alfred the Great (849-899) was King of the West Saxons in England. He saved his country from Danish conquest, laid the basis for the uni­fication of England under the West Saxon monarchy, and led a revival of learning and lit­erature. An outstanding leader in both war and peace, he was the only king of England to be called " the Great".

Alfred was born at Wantage in Berkshire. As a boy, he was curious and eager to learn. There is a story that his mother offered a prize to the first of her five sons who learned to read. Alfred, the youngest, won the prize, a book of Anglo-Saxon poems. Before he was seven, he had trav­elled to Rome twice, and was confirmed by Pope Leo IV. These travels impressed upon young Alfred the contrast between the civilised parts of Europe and his more backward England.

Alfred became king in 871, after the death of his fourth brother. The West Saxons had been at war with the Danes for many years. After sever­al losing battles, Alfred made peace with the invaders. But the Danes renewed their attacks four years later, and defeated Alfred at the bat­tle of Chippenham. Alfred finally defeated the Danes at the battle of Edington in 878. The Danish leader, Guthrum, agreed to be baptized as a Christian. After the Danes broke the peace once more, Alfred won his greatest military vic­tory, the conquest of London in 886. The Danes withdrew to the eastern third of England, called the " Danelaw". All the English recognized Alfred as their king, and paid him homage. Alfred built forts as strategic points and stationed a fleet of ships along the coast to protect his kingdom and guard against invasion. He also issued a great code of laws to improve government.