ULAN BATOR, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Mongolian President Khaltmaa Battulga on Monday conferred the Order of Genghis Khan, the country's highest state award, to Jugderdemid Gurragchaa, the first Mongolian in space, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the first space flight by a Mongolian.
Gurragchaa and Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Dzhanibekov were launched into space from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 22, 1981. They spent almost eight days in space, carrying out scientific experiments on the Soviet space station Salyut 6.
Gurragchaa also served as the country's defense minister from 2000 to 2004.
The Order of Genghis Khan is presented to Mongolian citizens who have made great contributions to strengthening national unity, deeply studying the history and culture of Mongolia, and familiarizing other countries with Mongolian culture. Enditem
