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Launch of Vostok 1 spacecraft, 1961
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Launch of Vostok 1 spacecraft, 1961
Launch of Vostok 1 spacecraft. Close-up of the exhaust flames of the rocket launching Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin (1934-1968) into orbit from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, on 12 April 1961. During this historic spaceflight, Gagarin became the first human in space. He circled the Earth once in a flight that lasted 1 hour and 48 minutes. The Vostok 1 capsule (not seen) was located on top of this rocket, the Vostok-K, the booster stage of which is seen here. This initial booster stage used four engines that burnt a mixture of rocket fuel and liquid oxygen for 118 seconds before later stages took over and completed the process of boosting Vostok 1 and Gagarin into orbit
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Media ID 6328507
© DETLEV VAN RAVENSWAAY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
12 04 1961 12 April 1961 12th 1900s 1960s 1961 April Ascending Ascent Baikonur Booster Booster Stage Boosters Burning Combustion Cosmodrome Departure Early Engineering Fire First Human In Space Flame Flames Gagarin Gagarins Gantries Gantry Kazakh Kazakhstan Launch Launch Pad Launching Lifting Off Manned Spaceflight Pioneer Pioneering Program Programme Propulsion Rocket Rocket Exhaust Rocket Fuel Rocketry Russian Soviet Soviet Union Space Flight Space Race Space Travel Taking Off Uss R Vostok 1 Vostok K Yuri Gagarin Yury
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This print captures the awe-inspiring moment of the launch of Vostok 1 spacecraft in 1961. The close-up shot focuses on the intense exhaust flames erupting from the rocket as it propels Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin into orbit, marking a monumental milestone in human history. On that historic day, April 12th, Gagarin became the first human to venture into space, embarking on a remarkable journey around Earth that lasted for an astounding 1 hour and 48 minutes. The Vostok-K rocket seen here served as the initial booster stage, equipped with four engines burning a powerful combination of rocket fuel and liquid oxygen for precisely 118 seconds before later stages took over. The image showcases not only the technological prowess behind this pioneering feat but also highlights the sheer power and intensity involved in space exploration. As Gagarin's capsule remains unseen atop this mighty rocket, one cannot help but marvel at both its engineering brilliance and historical significance. This photograph serves as a testament to mankind's relentless pursuit of knowledge and our unyielding desire to push boundaries beyond what was once deemed impossible. It encapsulates an era when nations fiercely competed in the race to conquer space while simultaneously fostering international fascination with cosmic exploration. As we gaze upon this mesmerizing scene frozen in time, we are reminded of Yuri Gagarin's courage and determination that propelled humanity towards new frontiers - forever etching his name among legends who dared to reach for the stars.
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