The Guns Cosmonauts Took to Space

Описание: In 1965, when two cosmonauts landed back on Earth in the snow-covered forest of Russia's Urals region, they feared their simple pistols wouldn't be enough to fight off the giant bears or hungry packs of wolves that roamed the area.

Although the men survived the experience without coming across any animals, the concern remained. How could cosmonauts better protect themselves in case they landed in a dangerous place?

That's how the primary survival weapon for Soviet cosmonauts, the TP-82, came to be. Created in consultation with a former cosmonaut, this weapon was designed specifically for the harsh environment in Soviet territory, not for fighting Americans.

According to documents and interviews of former cosmonauts, it was used by space explorers for almost 20 years. Dozens of astronauts visiting the International Space Station have practiced with it. Few have even spoken publicly about it.

Even though it's an open secret, to this day, the Russian Federal Space Agency still refuses to talk about the weapon. But, in case there's any doubt about the TP-82's existence, there's one on display in a Russian history museum.

Some in the American space program during the Cold War remain skeptical of its stated non-combat purpose...