Yuri Gagarin

Date of Birth: March 9, 1934

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: March 27, 1968

Biography

Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin was a Soviet cosmonaut who became an international hero as the first human to journey into outer space. Born on March 9, 1934, in the village of Klushino, near Gzhatsk (now Gagarin), Russia, he was the third of four children in a family of collective farmers. Gagarin’s interest in flying began at a young age, and he joined a local flying club where he learned to pilot aircraft. In 1955, Gagarin entered a Soviet Air Force cadet school and graduated with honors. He was selected for the Soviet space program and, on April 12, 1961, he orbited the Earth aboard Vostok 1, making a single orbit in 108 minutes. His mission marked a significant milestone in the Space Race and established the USSR as a major player in space exploration. After his historic flight, Gagarin became a global celebrity, touring numerous countries to promote Soviet achievements. Despite his fame, he continued to work in the space program, contributing to the training of future cosmonauts. Tragically, Gagarin’s life was cut short when he died in a jet crash on March 27, 1968, at the age of 34.

5 Interesting Facts about Yuri Gagarin

1. Yuri Gagarin was chosen for the Vostok 1 mission from over 200 candidates due to his outstanding performance and physical fitness.

2. Gagarin’s call sign during his historic flight was “Kedr,” which means “Cedar” in Russian.

3. He was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, the highest honor in the USSR, immediately after his spaceflight.

4. Gagarin’s flight made him an international symbol of Soviet space prowess, leading him to meet numerous world leaders, including Queen Elizabeth II.

5. After his death, the town of Gzhatsk was renamed Gagarin in his honor.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Yuri Gagarin

1. “I see Earth! It is so beautiful.”

2. “The road to the stars is steep and dangerous.”

3. “I could have gone on flying through space forever.”

4. “Spaceflights can’t be stopped. This is not the work of one man or even a group of men. It is a historical process which mankind is carrying out in accordance with the natural laws of human development.”

5. “I believe that in the future, people will learn to live on other planets.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a cosmonaut in the Soviet Union, Gagarin did not accumulate personal wealth in the way modern celebrities might. His highest “net worth” was the immense honor, recognition, and respect he received globally.

Children

Yuri Gagarin had two daughters with his wife, Valentina Goryacheva. Their names are Yelena Yurievna Gagarina, born in 1959, and Galina Yurievna Gagarina, born in 1961.