Yuri Gagarin before Spaceflight 1961 2

Description

Yuri Gagarin before spaceflight, photo; licensed article; Original: 5740×4315; Photographer: Unknown; license required; 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 reported the famous word from space “Поехали!” (Let’s go!) – a symbol for the beginning of the human space era.
After re-entry, Gagarin parachuted out of the capsule, as the Vostok was not designed for a smooth landing.
The photo documents a milestone in space history, symbolizing the then Soviet Union’s lead in the race to space and laying the groundwork for future manned missions.