In memory of Yakov G. Sapunkov

The article is devoted to the outstanding mechanical scientist and pedagogue Yakov Grigoryevich Sapunkov (04.11.1938–23.10.2020), whose important scientific results range from hypersonic aerodynamics, fluid mechanics and computational methods to the theory of optimal control, mechanics of space flight and the theory of strapdown inertial navigation systems (SINS). An outline of his scientific activity and list of his most significant scientific works are given.