Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet Air Force pilot, completed a historic journey on April 12, 1961, aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft. He orbited the Earth in a flight that lasted about 108 minutes.

The Vostok 1 spacecraft launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, making Gagarin an instant national hero in the Soviet Union and a global symbol of space exploration.

Gagarin's successful mission inspired a wave of interest in space exploration around the world. His flight marked a significant victory for the Soviet space program during the Cold War era, leading to increased space race competition.

People worldwide celebrated Yuri Gagarin’s achievement, fostering a sense of unity and excitement for space exploration. Various events commemorating his flight have been held every year since.

April 12 is now celebrated as Yuri's Night or the World Space Party, an international event marked by parties and celebrations in honor of human spaceflight.

Many films, books, and documentaries have been produced to tell Gagarin’s remarkable story, further embedding his legacy into popular culture.

Yuri Gagarin was only 27 years old when he made his historic flight, and he became an enduring emblem of Soviet achievement, celebrated to this day.

Gagarin famously exclaimed, 'I see Earth! It is so beautiful!' during his flight, encapsulating the wonder and beauty of space exploration.

Have you ever dreamed of traveling to space? What would be the first thing you’d do when you got there?