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Today in History: Yuri Gagarin completes historic first human spaceflight

4/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 12 April 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin made history as the first human to travel into space aboard Vostok 1. He completed a full orbit of Earth in 108 minutes, marking a significant milestone in the Space Race. Gagarin's achievement made him an international hero and earned him the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

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Story summary

On 12 April 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin made history as the first human to travel into space aboard Vostok 1. He completed a full orbit of Earth in 108 minutes, marking a significant milestone in the Space Race. Gagarin's achievement made him an international hero and earned him the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.