First human in space – Yuri Gagarin
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Yuri Gagarin
Do you know who was the first human to journey into outer space? His name was Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin – the first astronaut.
Yuri Gagarin was a Russian cosmonaut (astronaut). He went to space in a spacecraft called the Vostok 1, becoming the first human to orbit Earth. And of course, an international hero.
Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin
Yuri Gagarin was born on 9 March 1934, in the Soviet Union (which is now Russia). After his schooling, Yuri joined military flight training at the Orenburg Pilot’s School and became a fighter pilot.
So, how was Yuri selected to be the first man in space?
In 1960, Russia’s space agency chose him along with 19 other pilots, for the Soviet Union’s first manned space mission. They all underwent rigorous (difficult) training and testing to be prepared.
Yuri Gagarin was finally chosen to be the first astronaut because he was shorter than other trainees. This meant he could easily fit inside Vostok 1.
Vostok 1 launch
How was his historic journey into space?
At 9:07 a.m. on 12 April 1961, Vostok 1 lifted off from Baikonur cosmodrome taking Yuri to outer space. The flight took 108 minutes from launch to landing. During the launch, Yuri shouted “Poyekhali!” meaning – “let’s go!!”. These words show his spirit and energy.
What is a cosmodrome?
It is place where spacecraft are launched.
If you got a chance to go to outer space, what could be that one word you would say when your space vehicle launches? Do share with us on Me – My Expressions at Curious Times.
Credit: Anupama
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