50th Anniversary of the First Human Space Flight
108 Minutes That Shook the World
52
years ago, on April 12, traveled around the world TASS, beginning with the
words: "April 12, 1961 the Soviet Union launched into Earth orbit by
the world's first satellite spacecraft" Vostok "with a man on board. Pilot-astronaut
spacecraft-satellite "East" is a citizen of the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics, the pilot, Major Yuri Gagarin. "
Here's what he wrote about Yuri Gagarin Commission August 23, 1960, to certify future astronauts: "Entitled infinite composure. Coaching moves easily, is working efficiently. Developed a very harmonious. Candor ... Intellectual development is high. Excellent memory. Stands out among his colleagues a broad measure of active attention, intelligence, quick reactions. Diligent. Well prepared for classes and training. Confidently manipulating formulas of celestial mechanics and higher mathematics. Do not hesitate to defend a point of view which considers correct. It seems that he knows life is more than some of his friends. "
The
materials Tass on the preparation for the flight said that "the first
space flight could take only a man who, conscious of the great
responsibility entrusted to him the task, knowingly and voluntarily
agreed to give up all his strength and knowledge, and can be, and life
for the commission of that outstanding feat. "
108 minutes lasted first space flight. In these days when space expeditions are made many months, he seems to be very short. But each of these opening minutes was unknown. Yuri Gagarin's flight proved that man can live and work in space.
Eminent
scientist, designer, spacecraft Academician Sergei Korolev, whose name
is associated development of mankind space era, said: "Gagarin proved
what a person - on the biggest. He opened the way for the people of Earth into an unknown world. But is it? I
think, Gagarin did more - he gave people confidence in their own
strength, their capabilities, gave impetus to walk confidently, boldly
... This - Promethean act. "
According to the American astronaut Neil Armstrong, Yuri Gagarin "called us all into space."
April
9, 1962 in commemoration of the world's first manned space flight
signed a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Union of
Soviet Socialist Republics on the celebration of the Day of
Cosmonautics.
Later,
according to the protocol of the 61st General Conference of the
International Aeronautical Federation, held in November 1968 and the
decision of the International Aeronautical Federation, adopted by the
thirtieth April 1969, on the proposal of the Federation of Sports
aviation festival gained international importance and became known - the
World Day of Aviation and Cosmonautics .
A
half-century later, April 7, 2011 at a special plenary session of the
UN General Assembly adopted a resolution officially proclaimed April 12
the International Day of Human Space Flight. Co-authors of the resolution were more than 60 states.
Today,
in many cities of the Russian Federation, as well as in several
countries, the celebrations will be dedicated to this event. In
the rocket and space industry Russia's Baikonur cosmodrome and the
International Space Station today will remember the events of more than
half a century ago, to remember the people, the dream of those who paved
the way for humanity in space.
