by Domnall Óg
Home >> Yuri Gagarin
Gagarin was born in the rural area to the west of Moscow. His father was a carpenter on a communal farm but Yuri had no intention of continuing the family trade. He decided to attend a technical school and later trained as a metalworker.
Aviation fascinated him and he learned to fly at a local school. After qualifying as a pilot he joined the Soviet Air Force who were quick to see that they had an exceptional young man in their ranks.
His peerless flying skills means he was soon taken off normal duties and became a test pilot, trying out all sort of new aircraft.
Gagarin had heard that there was a secret space program being planned by the Soviet government and he volunteered for it. This caused quite a stir, as nobody had ever volunteered for such a dangerous program before.
He excelled in all areas and his instructors found he was man who ”...submits useful suggestions at meetings. Always sure of his resources… very difficult, if not impossible to upset… Stands out among his colleagues thanks to his great scope of active attention, bright mind and quick reaction”.
He was a Soviet Superman waiting to fly. He didn’t have to wait long.
At seven minutes past nine on April 12th 1961 on a chilly Kazajstan morning his spaceship Vostock 1 was launched into the blue sky and the human race was launched into the Space Age.
The flight lasted about 90 minutes and the Lieutenant Gagarin who took off became the Major Gagarin who landed: he was promoted ‘in the field’. Did they think he wouldn’t survive the landing?
Naturally, Yuri Gagarin became an overnight celebrity and toured the world as an example of Soviet success. But fame did not sit easily with a man who was only at home in the skies and, over time, Gagarin began to have drink problems. In October 1961 he seriously injured himself on a drunk fuelled holiday.
In 1968 he tried to requalify as a fighter pilot. His plane crashed on a routine flight. Nobody is sure why but a post mortem showed no trace of alcohol. Gagarin had cheated gravity in the most spectacular way once. He was not to get a second chance.
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Posted on http://www.weeklyletter.com at 2006-04-11 14:00:00 +0200
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I don’t think space exploration is a waste of time. We can always learn things studying the universe and maybe we can do something with that knowledge here on earth. Anyway I think it is fascinating exploring space and maybe discovering that there are other forms of life apart from us. There is one thing I’m sure about, we will colonize other planets in a few years but I hope they don’t find a living being because unfortunately we don’t respect anything.
If I were the first person to land on Mars I would probably say I can’t believe I’m the first one(this will be more a thought that a phrase to say aloud) or maybe I would just get there with a surprised face without saying a word. I don’t know I’ve never thought about it. Maybe I will say “I’M REALLY HERE AND THIS IS AMAZING”
I agree with you Nuria. I admire Neil Armstrong for saying ‘This is one small step for a man but a giant leap for mankind’.
I would have just said something like ‘Wow! You can see our house from here!’
Well, maybe it is woth it specially for future generations but nowadays I can think about at least two o three better issues for spending the money: diseases ( aids, cancer, ...), global warming, alternative energy sources, etc…
JC
It is difficult to prioritise investments in the future and contemporary needs.
I agree.
Plus, why explore outer space if we still have to explore the bottom of the ocean, the centre of the Earth and… our inner selves?
I suppose that because we are a part of the universe (and not something imposed or dropped into it) then, in a way, by exploring the universe we are exploring ourselves.
I think the most important thing it’s that the man can do everything he thinks on. We are capable to cross the oceans, fly and land on others planets, all this little or big things are the progress and new possibilities for the future. Besides I suppose we always are looking for answers.
Hello everyone!!
Planet Eath and human beings are insignificant compared to the infinite Universe, then…why do we want to explore it? what are the real posibilities, if any, of getting any far from Earth (talking in Space distances)? what is the payback?
I think that exploring the Universe help us learn more about ourselves, realize that we are not as powerful as we think and, that we also have our limitations.
On the other hand, as we try to get ready for it and prepare the spaceships, astronauts, satelites, etc. for the new conditions in Space, we are forced to improve our methods and technology, to adapt our inventions and be more energy efficient, and that also has an effect on our everyday life.
I would like to recomend all of you a wonderful four-episode BBC documentary called: “Space Odyssey”. It uses the latest scientific findings and feature film digital effects to show how would a real voyage to the planets be. Excellent!
Best regards,
Cristina
Another benefit of space exploration is that it fosters goodwill between nations. The European Space Agency includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The days of only Russians and Americans going into Space are finished.
I must admit that I am a bit backwards when it comes to space exploration. I support any “exploration” that we can do from Earth but don’t think it’s yet necessary for humankind to be jumping around out there. It costs vast amounts of money and I think, perhaps, that instead of trying to discover what’s beyond our world, we should concentrate on discovering what’s in our world.
I don’t think Futurama is going to be a reality any time soon; I will continue to gaze at the universe from below. No offense, Sally Ride…