Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, was the first person to journey into space.
Gagarin's historic flight occurred on April 12, 1961, aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft. The mission lasted 108 minutes, during which Vostok 1 completed one orbit around the Earth at a speed of approximately 27,400 kilometers per hour.
Key Facts about Yuri Gagarin's Flight:
- Date: April 12, 1961
- Craft: Vostok 1
- Duration: 108 minutes
- Nationality: Soviet Union
- Significance: First human in space
Vostok 1's reentry was controlled by an onboard computer. Interestingly, Gagarin did not land inside the Vostok capsule itself. He ejected from the spacecraft at approximately 7 kilometers above the Earth's surface and parachuted to the ground separately. This detail distinguishes the Soviet mission from the early U.S. human spaceflights.
Gagarin's flight marked a monumental achievement in human history and propelled the Soviet Union to the forefront of the Space Race. His bravery and success paved the way for future space exploration endeavors.
