Named in memory of Aleksandr Ivanovich Pokryshkin (1913–1985), a Soviet pilot known as a writer, the author of four popular books on Soviet aviation. His contribution to the theory and practice of flying and maneuvering small, high-speed aircraft allowed Soviet pilots to win some world aviation records. He was also involved in the selection of the first cosmonauts and the realization of the first Soviet space flights. (M 12972) _ _.