1990 achievements in space noted by UN committee.

• Position: Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

He holds a record of "firsts" in the annals of space history. In addition to the Apollo-Soyuz flight, he and astronaut Walter M. Schirra in 1965 completed the first rendezvous of manned spacecraft, guiding Gemini 6 to within one foot of the orbiting Gemini 7.

Lt.-Gen. Stafford was also the first man to orbit the moon, paving the way for the historic Apollo II lunar landing in July 1969.

Answering questions on expenditures allocated to space programmes, Lt.-Gen. Stafford stated that "every cent" spent on space technology provides jobs for people in countries around the world. "The programmes have been used primarily to enhance our technology and we all have reaped benefits from it. The medical field is the best example of this. Outer space gives you so much knowledge, it's awesome", he said with conviction.

Maj.-Gen. Leonov agreed with that assessment, stating that the USSR has had "very good results" from its space programme, gaining valuable technology from them. "Good and inexpensive materials are created because of the space programme. New medicines have been prepared in a sterile atmosphere and technologies are developed which advance our civilian life."

Maj.-Gen. Leonov is now Deputy Director of the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center near Moscow, responsible for the Soviet space training programme.

He was the first man to walk in space, during the flight of Voshkod 2...