Russian Federation Celebrates Yuri Gagarin—First Human in Space: April 12, 1961

Russian Federation Celebrates Yuri Gagarin—First Human in Space: April 12, 1961

This year marks the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's historic spaceflight. In the Russian Federation, April 12, the International Day of Human Spaceflight, is celebrated as Cosmonautics Day.

"In 1961, Yuri Gagarin made the impossible possible. First human to break Earth’s gravity." 

Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin (March 9, 1934 – March 27, 1968) was a Soviet pilot and cosmonaut that became the first person to journey into outer space aboard the first successful crewed spaceflight. Travelling on Vostok 1, Gagarin completed one orbit of Earth on April 12, 1961, with his flight taking 108 minutes. By achieving this major milestone for the Soviet Union amidst the Space Race, he was awarded many medals and titles, including his country's highest distinction—Hero of the Soviet Union.

“After flying around the Earth in a satellite ship, I saw how beautiful our planet is. People, we should preserve and multiply this beauty – not destroy it.”

—Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin

Video Credit: RT
Duration: 2 minutes
Release Date: April 12, 2026

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