First man in space Yuri Gagarin

The mission, known as Vostok 1, was a major achievement for the Soviet Union. Gagarin became an instant hero in the Soviet Union and around the world.

Gagarin, a 27-year-old Air Force pilot, was selected for the mission from a pool of more than 200 candidates. He underwent rigorous training in a variety of disciplines, including weightlessness simulation and survival skills.

The Vostok spacecraft consisted of two modules: a re-entry module, where Gagarin would sit during launch and re-entry, and an equipment module, which contained the spacecraft's engines, batteries, and other systems.

The launch of Vostok 1 was not without its complications. Shortly after liftoff, the emergency escape system was triggered, causing the re-entry module to detach from the equipment module. This was not part of the planned sequence, but the capsule's systems continued to function properly and Gagarin continued with his mission.

During his 108-minute flight, Gagarin orbited the Earth once at an altitude of about 200 miles (320 km). He reported feeling weightless and described seeing the curvature of the Earth and the darkness of space. He also communicated with ground control throughout the mission.

After completing his orbit, Gagarin ejected from the re-entry module and parachuted to the ground. He landed in a field near the town of Engels in southern Russia, where he was greeted by locals who were unaware of his historic achievement.

Gagarin's flight was a major propaganda victory for the Soviet Union, which had beaten the United States in putting a human being in space. Gagarin became an international celebrity and a symbol of Soviet technological prowess.

Tragically, Gagarin died in a plane crash in 1968 while on a routine training flight. However, his legacy as the first person to travel into space lives on, and his achievement continues to inspire generations of space explorers.