Born on April 12
International Day of Human Space Flight
One orbit that opened the sky.
Next: April 12, 2027
Where it comes from
On 12 April 1961 the Soviet pilot Yuri Gagarin lifted off from Baikonur aboard Vostok 1 and became the first human in space. His single orbit of Earth took 108 minutes from launch to landing, and at the end he ejected from the capsule 7 km above the ground and came down under his own parachute.
How it's celebrated
Space agencies, planetariums, museums and schools hold talks, stargazing nights and exhibitions. Since 12 April 2001 the grassroots celebration Yuri's Night has invited anyone to host a space party, from a science-centre event to a few friends gathered under the sky.
Did you know
Twenty years to the day after Gagarin's flight, on 12 April 1981, NASA launched the space shuttle Columbia on its first mission.
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Aries · March 21 – April 19 · Fire sign
First through the door: bold, quick to start and happiest with a challenge.