Yuri Gagarin Before Spaceflight 1961 11

Description

Yuri Gagarin before spaceflight, photo; licensed article; original: 5740×4315; photographer: unknown; subject to license; rights: © Bleek/zb Media. Significance of the flight:
On April 12, 1961, Gagarin launched with the Vostok 1 rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome and orbited the Earth in 108 minutes.
He famously reported from space the word “Поехали!” (Let’s go!) – a symbol for the beginning of the human space age.
After reentry, Gagarin parachuted out of the capsule since the Vostok was not designed for a gentle landing.
The photo documents a milestone in space history, symbolizing the Soviet Union’s lead in the space race at the time and laying the groundwork for future manned missions.