Wostok Space Capsule 1961 9

Description

Wostok Space Capsule, Photo; Licensed article; Original: 5740×4315; Photographer: Unknown; license required; Rights: © Bleek/zb Media. The photo shows the Wostok space capsule, with which Yuri Gagarin became the first human to fly into space on April 12, 1961. A “Space First” success of Soviet spaceflight.
Description of the space capsule:
The Wostok 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 reentry capsule, in which Gagarin sat, and an instrument module that was detached during reentry.
The capsule was equipped with life support systems, a small window, and control instruments.
Importance of the flight:
On April 12, 1961, Gagarin launched with the Wostok-1 rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome and orbited the 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 reentry, Gagarin ejected from the capsule with a parachute since the Wostok was not designed for a soft landing.
The photo documents a milestone in the history of space exploration, symbolizing the Soviet Union’s then-advantage in the space race and laying the foundations for future manned missions.