Home > Science > Space Exploration > Astronauts
Yuri Gagarin before launch, 1961
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Yuri Gagarin before launch, 1961
Yuri Gagarin before launch, in his flight suit and helmet, in a bus heading toward the Vostok 1 launch site in Kazakhstan, USSR, on 12 April 1961. Yuri Gagarin (1934-1968) was soon to become famous as the first man in space. He was launched in the Vostok 1 spacecraft and spent 1 hour and 48 minutes in Earth orbit. He crossed over Siberia, the Pacific Ocean, the tip of South America, and the southern Atlantic. Re-entry commenced over Africa, and Gagarin ejected from the spacecraft 7 kilometres up, over the Saratov region of Russia, parachuting safely to the ground. He became famous worldwide, and was made a Hero of the Soviet Union. He died in 1968 when the fighter plane he was flying crashed
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6427161
© RIA NOVOSTI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
12 04 1961 12 April 1961 1900s 1960s 1961 Astronaut Baikonur Central Asia Cosmonaut First Man In Space Helmet Hero Of The Soviet Union Kazakhstan Launch Site Preparing Russian Soviet Union Space Flight Space Race Space Suit Travelling Uss R Yuri Gagarin Flight Suit Military Officer Military Officers
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Science
> Space Exploration
> Astronauts
> Sport
> Motor Sport
> Le Mans 24 hour Automobile Race
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a pivotal moment in history as Yuri Gagarin, the legendary Russian cosmonaut, prepares for his groundbreaking journey into space. Taken on 12 April 1961, just moments before his historic launch aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft, Gagarin is seen here donning his flight suit and helmet while seated inside a bus en route to the launch site in Kazakhstan. Yuri Gagarin's extraordinary mission marked humanity's first venture beyond Earth's atmosphere. Spending an awe-inspiring 1 hour and 48 minutes in orbit around our planet, he traversed vast distances over Siberia, the Pacific Ocean, South America, and the southern Atlantic. The re-entry phase commenced over Africa before Gagarin bravely ejected from the spacecraft at a staggering altitude of 7 kilometers above Russia's Saratov region. Safely parachuting back to Earth, he instantly became a global sensation and was rightfully hailed as a Hero of the Soviet Union. Tragically, Yuri Gagarin's life was cut short in 1968 when the fighter plane he was piloting crashed. However, his legacy lives on as an icon of human achievement and exploration. This remarkable image serves as a testament to both his courage and pioneering spirit that forever changed our understanding of what lies beyond our home planet.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
