https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250309/yuri-gagarin-the-first-man-who-touched-the-stars-gone-too-soon-1071004443.html
Yuri Gagarin: The First Man Who Touched the Stars, Gone Too Soon
Yuri Gagarin: The First Man Who Touched the Stars, Gone Too Soon
Sputnik Africa
Yuri Gagarin’s life story is one of humble beginnings, relentless curiosity, and a daring spirit that transcended borders. His journey to space was as... 09.03.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-03-09T16:38+0100
2025-03-09T16:38+0100
2025-03-09T16:38+0100
features
yuri gagarin
earth
soviet union (ussr)
space
space exploration
history
science
death
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e9/03/09/1071005405_0:0:2220:1250_1920x0_80_0_0_c967f86ceced5ce844eec4196c230b8d.jpg
Born on March 9, 1934, in a small Russian village, Yuri Gagarin grew up unaware that he would one day change history as the first human in space. On April 12, 1961, as a Soviet Air Force pilot, Gagarin became the first person to journey into outer space, orbiting Earth in the Vostok 1 spacecraft. His 108-minute flight didn’t just rewrite history—it ignited humanity’s imagination, proving that the cosmos was within reach.From Peasant to PioneerGagarin grew up in a family of collective farmers, surviving the hardships of World War II, including Nazi occupation. His passion for aviation blossomed in his teens, leading him to train as a pilot in the Soviet Air Force. He was selected from over 3,000 candidates for the Soviet space program. Standing at just 157 cm, Gagarin’s compact stature was an asset in the cramped Vostok capsule—a quirk of fate that propelled him into the spotlight.“Poyekhali!”On that fateful April morning, Gagarin’s cheerful cry of “Poyekhali!” (“Let’s go!”) as Vostok 1 launched, heralded the dawn of human space exploration. As he orbited Earth at about 28,000 km/h, he marveled at the planet’s “beautiful blue aureole”—a moment that captivated the world in awe amid the Cold War’s tense rivalry. His charisma, bravery, and infectious smile transformed him into an international icon, celebrated not just in the USSR but across the globe.This flight was a triumph not only for the Soviet Union but for all humanity, showcasing the boundless potential of science.A Flame ExtinguishedTragically, Gagarin's life was cut short in a jet crash in 1968 when he was just 34 years old. Yet, his legacy lives on. He remains a symbol of courage, exploration, and human ambition. His name graces streets, monuments, and even a crater on the Moon. Every year, Cosmonautics Day on April 12 honors his historic flight, and space agencies worldwide continue to be inspired by his pioneering spirit. Gagarin’s “Poyekhali!” still echoes as a call to explore the unknown.Now, at a time when politicians and scientists increasingly warn humanity about the onset of global conflict, Gagarin’s words resonate with special poignancy:
earth
soviet union (ussr)
space
Sputnik Africa
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
2025
Christina Glazkova
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e7/0b/07/1063380906_0:0:673:674_100x100_80_0_0_79628b4d0cd9f29291a57aa13bbf9e7a.jpg
Christina Glazkova
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e7/0b/07/1063380906_0:0:673:674_100x100_80_0_0_79628b4d0cd9f29291a57aa13bbf9e7a.jpg
News
en_EN
Sputnik Africa
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
Sputnik Africa
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
Christina Glazkova
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e7/0b/07/1063380906_0:0:673:674_100x100_80_0_0_79628b4d0cd9f29291a57aa13bbf9e7a.jpg
yuri gagarin, earth, soviet union (ussr), space, space exploration, history, science, death
yuri gagarin, earth, soviet union (ussr), space, space exploration, history, science, death
Yuri Gagarin: The First Man Who Touched the Stars, Gone Too Soon
Christina Glazkova
Writer / Editor
Yuri Gagarin’s life story is one of humble beginnings, relentless curiosity, and a daring spirit that transcended borders. His journey to space was as remarkable as his character. On what would have been his 91st birthday, Sputnik Africa honors the legendary cosmonaut.
Born on March 9, 1934, in a small Russian village, Yuri Gagarin grew up unaware that he would one day change history as the first human in space. On April 12, 1961, as a Soviet Air Force pilot, Gagarin became the first person to journey into outer space, orbiting Earth in the Vostok 1 spacecraft. His 108-minute flight didn’t just rewrite history—it ignited humanity’s imagination, proving that the cosmos was within reach.
Gagarin grew up in a family of collective farmers, surviving the hardships of World War II, including
Nazi occupation. His passion for aviation blossomed in his teens, leading him to train as a pilot in the Soviet Air Force. He was selected from over 3,000 candidates for the Soviet space program. Standing at just 157 cm, Gagarin’s compact stature was an asset in the cramped Vostok capsule—a quirk of fate that propelled him into the spotlight.
On that fateful April morning, Gagarin’s cheerful cry of “Poyekhali!” (“Let’s go!”) as Vostok 1 launched, heralded the dawn of human
space exploration. As he orbited Earth at about 28,000 km/h, he marveled at the planet’s “beautiful blue aureole”—a moment that captivated the world in awe amid the
Cold War’s tense rivalry. His charisma, bravery, and infectious smile transformed him into an international icon, celebrated not just in the USSR but across the globe.
This flight was a triumph not only for the Soviet Union but for all humanity, showcasing the boundless potential of science.
Tragically, Gagarin's life was cut short in a jet crash in 1968 when he was just 34 years old. Yet, his legacy lives on. He remains a symbol of courage, exploration, and human ambition. His name graces streets, monuments, and even a crater on the Moon. Every year,
Cosmonautics Day on April 12 honors his historic flight, and space agencies worldwide continue to be inspired by his pioneering spirit. Gagarin’s “Poyekhali!” still echoes as a call to explore the unknown.
Now, at a time when politicians and scientists increasingly warn humanity about the onset of global conflict,
Gagarin’s words resonate with special poignancy:
“Orbiting Earth in the spaceship, I saw how beautiful our planet is. People, let us preserve and increase this beauty, not destroy it!”
Yuri Gagarin
the first man in space
