12th April is observed as the International Day of Human Space Flight. This day seeks “to celebrate each year at the international level, the beginning of the space era for mankind, reaffirming the important contribution of space science and technology in achieving sustainable development goals and increasing the well-being of States and peoples, as well as ensuring the realization of their aspiration to maintain outer space for peaceful purposes.”
The United Nations recognizes the importance of the outer space as a new dimension to the existence of humans on planet Earth. Hence, this day is observed to commemorate the achievements of human kind beyond this planet for the benefit and welfare of the entire human community.
History of International Day of Human Space Flight
It was on 12th April in 1961 that the first human space flight was carried out by Yuri Gagarin of the Soviet Union. He circled the earth in a Vostok 1 spacecraft in a flight lasting for about 108 minutes. The spacecraft orbited the Earth at an altitude of 187 miles and was guided by an automatic control system.
This day marked a landmark in space exploration for the welfare of the entire humankind.
Background of International Day of Human Space Flight
In 2011, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared 12th April as the International Day of Human Space Flight to commemorate 50 years since the first ever human space flight.
We can only be thankful to the feats of iconic astronauts such as Gagarin, whose pioneering achievements have helped us today in make bigger strides into space exploration.
Happy International Day of Human Space Flight, folks!
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