History of Vostok 1 in Timeline

Vostok 1, launched on April 12, 1961, marked a pivotal moment in space exploration as the first human orbital spaceflight. Aboard the Vostok 3KA capsule, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to orbit the Earth, completing a full circuit. This mission was a significant achievement for the Soviet Union's Vostok programme and a landmark event in the Space Race, demonstrating humanity's capability to reach and orbit beyond Earth's atmosphere. Gagarin's successful flight cemented his place in history and paved the way for future human spaceflights.

1957: Beginning of the Space Race

In 1957, the Space Race began between the Soviet Union and the United States with the launch of Sputnik 1. This event triggered intense competition to develop spaceflight technology, particularly to achieve the first human spaceflight.

May 1960: Uncrewed Vostok missions begin

In May 1960, the Soviet Union initiated uncrewed missions as part of the Vostok programme. These missions aimed to test and develop the Vostok rocket family and space capsule, serving as precursors to the crewed flight.

March 1961: Successful precursor missions

In March 1961, the final two uncrewed missions, Korabl-Sputnik 4 and Korabl-Sputnik 5, were successfully completed as part of the Vostok programme. These successes paved the way for the first crewed flight.

April 1961: First human orbital spaceflight

In April 1961, the Vostok 1, carrying Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, marking the first human orbital spaceflight. Gagarin became the first human to reach orbital velocity and complete a full orbit around the Earth.

April 1961: Vostok-K rocket transported to launch pad

In April 1961, the Vostok-K rocket, with the Vostok 3KA space capsule attached, was transported to the launch pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome. Technicians conducted a quick examination, and the booster was erected on LC-1. Gagarin and Titov received a final review of the flight plan, with launch scheduled for the following day.

April 1961: Gagarin enters Vostok 1 spacecraft

On the morning of April 12, 1961, Gagarin entered the Vostok 1 spacecraft after breakfast and suiting up. Communication systems were activated, and Gagarin chatted with mission personnel. A hatch sealing issue was reported and resolved by technicians before launch.

1961: FAI rules and Gagarin's landing

In 1961, FAI rules required pilots to land with their spacecraft for official recognition. The Soviet Union initially concealed that Gagarin had parachuted separately, but the FAI later certified the flight and revised its rules.

1971: Disclosure of Gagarin's ejection

In 1971, the Soviet Union admitted that Gagarin had ejected and landed separately from the Vostok descent module, despite earlier insistence otherwise. This admission clarified the circumstances of Gagarin's landing.

2011: Release of "First Orbit" film

In 2011, Christopher Riley and Paolo Nespoli created the film "First Orbit" by matching historical audio recordings with video from the International Space Station, recreating Gagarin's view of Earth. The film was released online for the 50th anniversary of human spaceflight.

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2011: International Day of Human Space Flight declared

In 2011, the United Nations declared April 12 as the International Day of Human Space Flight, commemorating Gagarin's flight and the beginning of human space exploration.

2014: Obituary references hatch sealing

In 2014, an obituary referenced Vostok's chief designer, Oleg Ivanovsky, helping to rebolt the hatch. The article discussed the uncertaininty around the claim that the hatch was not sealed correctly.

2018: Vostok 1 re-entry capsule loaned to VDNKh

In 2018, the Vostok 1 re-entry capsule, belonging to the S. P. Korolev RSC Energia Museum, was temporarily loaned to the Space Pavilion at the VDNKh in Moscow, allowing public viewing of the historic artifact.