Vostok Space Capsule 1961 1

Description

Vostok space capsule, photo; licensed article; Original: 5740×4315; Photographer: Unknown; subject to licensing; Rights:  Bleek/zb Media. The photo shows the Vostok space capsule, with which Yuri Gagarin flew into space as the first human on April 12, 1961. A “Space First” success of Soviet space travel.
Description of the space capsule:
The Vostok 1 was a spherical space capsule with a diameter of about 2.3 meters, designed for a single person.
It consisted of two main parts: the descent module, where Gagarin sat, and an instrument module, which was detached during re-entry.
The capsule was equipped with life-support systems, a small window, and control instruments.
Significance of the flight:
On April 12, 1961, Gagarin launched with the Vostok-1 rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome and orbited Earth in 108 minutes.
He reported from space the famous word “Поехали!” (Let’s go!) – a symbol of the beginning of the human space age.
After re-entry, Gagarin parachuted from the capsule, as the Vostok was not designed for a smooth landing.
The photo documents a milestone in space history, which symbolized the Soviet Union’s then-advantage in the space race and laid the foundation for future manned missions.