On April 12, 1961, the world witnessed an event of universal scale (or the universe witnessed an event of global scale) - Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin on the Vostok-1 spacecraft made the first manned space flight in history, which lasted 108 minutes and opened the era of human exploration of outer space. The Vostok-1 spacecraft was a spherical descent vehicle 4.3 meters long, 2.43 meters in diameter and with a launch weight of 4,725 kilograms. It was equipped with a life support system, automatic control and communications equipment. It was designed for one crew member with a flight duration of up to 10 days. The launch vehicle for the spacecraft was developed on the basis of the two-stage R-7 intercontinental ballistic missile with the addition of a 3rd stage. Its length was 38.2 meters, its diameter was 10.3 meters, and its launch weight was about 287 tons. The rocket could launch a payload of up to 4.5 tons into space. The flight was controlled automatically, but Gagarin had the option to take control if necessary. For safety reasons, the cosmonaut wore a spacesuit during the entire flight. In case of cabin depressurization, the spacesuit contained a four-hour oxygen supply, which protected the cosmonaut when ejecting the seat at an altitude of up to 10 kilometers. The launch took place from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 9:07 Moscow time. The ship made one orbit around the Earth and landed near the village of Smelovka in the Saratov Region at 10:53. At an altitude of about 7 kilometers, Gagarin ejected from the descent vehicle and landed separately on a parachute. Vostok 1 gave rise to a series of Soviet spacecraft, and even after the completion of the main program, various modifications continued to be used later, serving as the basis for a number of Soviet and Russian satellites. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #12April, #YuriGargarin, #HumanSpaceFlightDay, #YurisNight, #soyuz.
“Please accept my most sincere greetings on Cosmonautics Day, a holiday that brings together all generations of the country’s citizens. My warmest words go to the pioneers and veterans of the rocket and space industry, whose selfless work laid the foundation for a tradition of devoted service to their calling, to the Motherland and to the people.
The legendary launch of Yury Gagarin on April 12, 1961, will forever remain a most prominent and truly milestone event of the 20th century, a great triumph of our Fatherland. We are also deeply proud of the illustrious constellation of outstanding space scientists, designers, cosmonauts, engineers, military and civilian specialists – true patriots and visionaries who stood at the origins of the national space programme.
Today, Russia’s rocket and space industry is tackling vital tasks to strengthen the country’s research and technology capabilities, to improve its manufacturing facilities and ground infrastructure, develop advanced equipment for space exploration, and implement important defence programmes – including those related to the special military operation.
The exploration of the Universe, the use of space systems is a field of strong global competition. To maintain global leadership and ensure the achievement of national development goals, it is essential to constantly move forward, with businesses and research centres joining their efforts to boost the production of satellites, introduce innovative components, new materials, digital and nuclear technology, and develop promising manned spacecraft and launch vehicles. The rocket and space industry should become one of the growth drivers of the national economy, ensuring the country’s technological sovereignty, and improving the quality of life in all regions of Russia.”
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