Yuri Gagarin: The First Human in Space

Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, became the first human in space on April 12, 1961.
His spacecraft, Vostok 1, completed one orbit around Earth in 108 minutes.
Gagarin was only 27 years old at the time of his historic flight.
He famously said, “Poyekhali!” (“Let’s go!”) at liftoff.
Vostok 1 had no manual controls—everything was automated.
After reentry, Gagarin ejected and parachuted safely to the ground.
His achievement made him an international hero during the Cold War.
Gagarin’s flight marked the start of human space exploration.
Tragically, he died in a jet training accident in 1968 at age 34.
He is honored worldwide, and April 12 is celebrated as Cosmonautics Day and Yuri’s Night.