Yuri Gagarin

Yuri Gagarin parents Home (cropped)

Yuri Gagarin como cadete del club de vuelo de Saratov

Gagarin Capsule

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Gagarin-skafander

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Yuri Gagarin welcome Warsaw 1961

Yuri Gagarin (Russian: Ю́рий Алексе́евич Гага́рин; 9 March 1934 – 27 March 1968) was a Soviet air force pilot and cosmonaut who became the first human to journey into outer space, achieving a major milestone in the Space Race between the Soviet Union and the United States. His spacecraft, Vostok 1, completed one orbit of the Earth on 12 April 1961. Gagarin became an international celebrity and was awarded many medals and titles, including Hero of the Soviet Union, the nation's highest honor.

Early Life

Yuri Gagarin was born in the village of Klushino, near Gzhatsk (renamed Gagarin in 1968 in his honor), in the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. He was the third of four children. His parents worked on a collective farm, and although the family was poor, Gagarin was able to pursue his education and later, his interest in aviation.

Career

Gagarin was selected for the Soviet space program along with other candidates and underwent rigorous training. His selection for the historic flight was based on his excellent performance during training, as well as his compact physique, which was an advantage in the cramped quarters of the Vostok spacecraft.

On 12 April 1961, Gagarin became the first human to travel into space and orbit the Earth. His famous words upon launch were "Poyekhali!" (Let's go!). The flight lasted 108 minutes and demonstrated the Soviet Union's capabilities in space.

After his flight, Gagarin became a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union and was later appointed to the Soviet Air Forces' training directorate. He also toured widely abroad, promoting the Soviet Union's achievement in space.

Death

Gagarin died on 27 March 1968, when the MiG-15 training jet he was piloting crashed near the town of Kirzhach. The circumstances of the crash have been the subject of much speculation and investigation. Gagarin's death was mourned both in the Soviet Union and internationally.

Legacy

Yuri Gagarin's historic flight is celebrated in Russia and internationally on 12 April, known as Cosmonautics Day. He remains a key figure in the history of space exploration and a hero in Russia. Numerous monuments, schools, and museums have been named in his honor, and his legacy continues to inspire people around the world interested in space and exploration.