Yuri Gagarin

The First Human in Space

Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin was the first human to travel into space on 12 April 1961. He was born on 9 March 1934 in Russia. His family were ordinary farmers who worked the land. Yuri was the third of four siblings, and his older sister cared for him while his parents were working. From an early age he was a curious, diligent and imaginative child.

A Passion for Aircraft

In his youth, Yuri first learned metalworking and then attended technical school. During this time he joined a flying club called “AeroClub,” where he learned to fly small aircraft—a turning point in his life. His interest in aviation grew over time until he reached the level of flying solo.

Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin (Generated by Artificial Intelligence.)

Becoming a Pilot

In 1955 Yuri entered military pilot training, where he received instruction on fighter aircraft. He earned his pilot’s license in 1957. Despite his short stature (1.57 m), Gagarin was courageous, attentive and extremely hardworking. These qualities enabled him to rise quickly and begin serving in the Soviet Air Forces.

Selection as a Cosmonaut

In 1960 the Soviet Union decided to send a human into space. A secret selection process was conducted nationwide, and Gagarin was chosen among twenty pilots. He passed rigorous tests and was widely liked among his peers; when asked who should fly first, most candidates wrote his name. He stood out for his athletic personality and played ice hockey in his free time.

The Historic Journey

On 12 April 1961, Yuri Gagarin made history. He boarded the Vostok 1 spacecraft, declaring “Poyekhali!” (Let’s go!) and completed one orbit around Earth. The flight lasted 108 minutes. As the first human to reach space, Gagarin became famous worldwide. He undertook tours and met kings, presidents and scientists in many countries.

Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin (Generated by Artificial Intelligence.)

Later Years

After his spaceflight, Gagarin continued working. He contributed to the design of new spacecraft and assisted in the training of young cosmonauts.

On 27 March 1968, he died in a training flight accident at the age of 34. His name was given to a monument on the Kremlin wall and to many other places. The space training center was also named after him: Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.