Karim Karimov, who played an unparalleled role in developing space science and technology in Azerbaijan, was born in Baku on November 14, 1917, into a family of engineer-technologist. His father, Abbasali, studied technical sciences in Saint Petersburg and, upon returning to Azerbaijan, worked in the oil industry. His mother, Surayya Haji Asadulla gizi Karimova (Ahmadova), was one of the first graduates of the girls' school in Baku, built by philanthropist Z. Taghiyev. His grandfather, the prominent public and political figure Haji Asadulla Haji Ahmad oglu Ahmadov, served as a member of the Republic's Parliament based on the law establishing the Majlisi-Mabusan (Parliament) (November 19, 1918). Under the guardianship of his grandfather, K. Karimov began learning Arabic and the Quran at the age of five in a madrasa affiliated with the Taza Pir Mosque. After completing his madrasa education, he pursued his secondary education at School No. 8 in Baku, now named after General Karim Karimov. In 1934, K. Karimov graduated from secondary school and two years later, in 1936, he moved to Moscow to enroll in the "Electromechanics" faculty at the Novocherkassk Industrial Institute. During his first year of university, K. Karimov married his classmate Zarifa Khanum Hanafiyeva, with whom he had studied in secondary school. On January 22, 1937, their daughter was born, and K. Karimov named her after his mother, Surayya Khanum. In 1939, he continued his education at the Industrial Institute in Baku, graduating in 1941 with a degree in electromechanics. His wife completed her studies at the chemistry faculty of the Industrial Institute.

Although there was a great demand for radio engineers during World War II, considering the talents of the young specialist, Karim Karimov was admitted directly to the fifth year of the F. Dzerzhinsky Artillery Academy in 1942. After graduating as an artillery engineer from this institution in 1943, he was assigned to serve in the Main Directorate of Guards Mortar Units. There, he worked on accepting “Katyusha” type mortar systems and their shells from the industry, demonstrating effective performance in this field. Starting in 1945, Karim Karimov took on the role of chief engineer. He was dispatched to Nordhausen, Germany, and a group of specialists, to study German rocket technology upon Stalin's directive. While there, Karimov worked on the "V-2" ballistic missiles and significantly contributed to developing radio measurement systems for ballistic missiles. Despite being under 30, he served as the head of one of the most critical departments within the Soviet Ministry of Defense, where he, with his team of experts, developed the unique radio telemetry system known as "Don" during a State Commission meeting. This system successfully served Soviet rocket technology for many years. Karimov’s efforts were highly recognized, and in 1950, he was awarded the Stalin Prize (laureate of the USSR State Prize).  

Since the foundation of the Baikonur Cosmodrome in 1955, the distinguished figure in Azerbaijani history, Karim Karimov, began his work there. Karimov, who played a significant role in creating space vehicles and was instrumental in the world's first human spaceflight, was awarded the Order of Lenin and promoted to Major General ahead of schedule during the ceremony honoring those who made this historic flight possible.  

In 1965, while serving on active military duty in the Soviet Armed Forces, he was appointed head of the Main Space Directorate in the newly established Ministry of General Machine-Building. He became a member of the ministry's collegium.

In 1966, Karim Karimov, the chairman of the State Commission for Spacecraft, was responsible for overseeing the readiness of all systems related to space flights and authorizing the launch of missions. Due to his significant contributions to the first-ever launch of two unmanned spacecraft, "Kosmos-186" and "Kosmos-188," into orbit in October 1967, he was awarded the rank of lieutenant general. The commission led by General Karimov consisted of 50 members, including the Minister of Defense of the USSR, seven other ministers, and heads of various important committees and structures.

1974 Karim Karimov engaged in scientific and organizational activities as the first deputy director of the Central Research Institute of Machine Building, alongside his primary position. During that time, spacecraft that were celebrated as the pride of Soviet cosmonautics and recognized as a triumph of engineering intellect were created under his active participation and direct leadership. Notable among these were the new generation "Soyuz" spacecraft, the "Salyut" orbital station, and later the modular "Mir" station (1987). After retiring at 74 in 1991, Karim Karimov maintained his connection to the space sector until the end of his life and served as an advisor to the Mission Control Center.

In 1979, General Karim Karimov was awarded the USSR State Prize for his achievements in space research. In 1987, he received the Order of Lenin for the second time and the honorary title of Hero of the Soviet Union. General Karimov, honored with numerous medals, was also awarded the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Despite his entire life and career tied to Moscow, General Karim Karimov never forgot his native Azerbaijan. He remained interested in its development and celebrated its successes. General Karimov maintained his connection with Azerbaijan and provided invaluable support to the Aerospace Research Center of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, helping create conditions for many Azerbaijani scientists to work and thrive in this field. In recognition of his unparalleled contributions to the advancement of space science and technology in Azerbaijan, he was elected an Honorary Member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.

Considering his significant role in the development of cosmonautics and his achievements for the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev awarded K. Karimov the Order of Glory of the Republic of Azerbaijan through his decree.

Karim Karimov is the author of the autobiographical book "The Way to Space."

Lieutenant General Karim Karimov died in Moscow on March 29, 2003, and was buried there.

Recommended literature:

1. Nikolski, Andrey. Kosmik səfərlər xeyir-duaçısı general Kərim Kərimov /A.Nikolski; Tərcümə ed. və işləyəni. V.Həbiboğlu; Red. T.Muxtarova. - Bakı: Gənclik, 1991. - 48 s.
2. Şıxlar, Hacı Niftalı. Bizim əfsanəvi kosmos generalımız : [Kərim Kərimov] / N. Şıxlar ; red. R. B. Əsgərov. - Yenidən işlənilmiş nəşr. - Bakı : Müəllim, 2020. - 88 s.
3. Керимов, Керим Али-Аббас оглу. Дорога в космос: /записки председателя Государственной комиссии СССР по пилотируемым космическим полетам /К. Керимов ; ред. А. Мехтиев ; Институт Стратегических Исследований Кавказа (ISSC). - Стокгольм: CA&CC Press, 2009. - 431 с.