Yuriy Gagarin
(1961)
Yuri Gagarin
Caption : Yuri Gagarin. Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin (1934- 1968) in his space helmet. Gagarin became the first person in space when he was launched on Vostok 1 on 12 April 1961. The flight lasted for just one orbit, ending 108 minutes after take-off. As the controls were intentionally locked, Gagarin had no control over the spacecraft. Photographed in 1961.
Credit : RIA NOVOSTI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY