Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Official website of the State –
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On March 9, we celebrate the birthday of Yuri Gagarin, the first person in the world to fly into space.
Childhood and the Occupation
The future conqueror of space was born in 1934 to a simple working-class family. In 1941, the village of Klushino in the Smolensk region, where the Gagarin family lived, fell under German occupation. The Germans deported Yuri's older brother and sister, aged 17 and 15 respectively, to Germany, but they escaped en route and joined the Soviet troops. The village was liberated in 1943.
Excellent student
In 1951, Yuri graduated with honors from Lyubertsy Vocational School No. 10, specializing in molding and foundry work, and completed the seventh grade of an evening school for working youth. In 1955, he also completed his studies with honors at the Saratov Industrial Technical School and the basic training course at the local flying club, where he accumulated 43 flight hours over two years. Upon joining the army, Gagarin was sent to the 1st Chkalov Military Aviation School named after K. E. Voroshilov, from which he again graduated with honors, qualifying as a fighter pilot.
The path to space
From 1957 to 1959, Yuri Gagarin served in the 169th Fighter Aviation Regiment near Murmansk. When he learned of the call for volunteers for the upcoming space flight, he immediately submitted a request expressing his desire to try his hand at this unprecedented new endeavor. After several medical examinations, he was accepted into the group of cosmonaut candidates. Six brave souls were ready to embark on the maiden flight, and the decision on who would be the first to leave Earth's atmosphere was made just a few days before the launch.
Legendary flight
On April 12 at 9:07 AM, the Vostok spacecraft launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, and its pilot, Yuri Gagarin, said the world-famous "Let's go!" 108 minutes of flight: not much for a human, but a new step in the development of humanity.
Returning to Earth, the cosmonaut reported: “I completed the task, landed in the designated area, I feel good, there are no bruises or injuries.”
The cosmonaut's worldwide fame
Yuri Gagarin received a triumphant welcome in Moscow. Thousands gathered in Red Square to see their hero. Words of gratitude and admiration poured in from all sides. Gagarin became not just a cosmonaut but a national symbol, embodying the achievements of Soviet science and technology. His smile and simplicity captivated the hearts of millions, and he quickly became a national favorite.
However, the first cosmonaut's fame wasn't limited to his country's borders. Soon after his historic flight, he embarked on a grand tour of thirty countries, where he was greeted like a true star. In each country, Yuri Gagarin became the center of attention, and his visits caused a real sensation. People flocked to see the cosmonaut who had become the first in history to conquer the vast expanses of space. He was greeted with flowers, gifts, and applause, and some countries even held parades in his honor.
One of the most memorable encounters was a lunch with Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. Yuri Gagarin was invited to Buckingham Palace, where he was awaited not only by the royal family but also by a multitude of admirers. According to witnesses, at the end of the event, Elizabeth II herself invited Yuri Gagarin to take a commemorative photo with him, breaking one of the most important rules of etiquette: the monarch being prohibited from being photographed with ordinary people.
This meeting symbolized not only Gagarin's international recognition, but also the importance of space exploration as a common cause for all humanity.
Final chapter
Returning to the country after a world tour, Yuri Gagarin returned to active work and training for a new flight that was not destined to come true.
In 1968, the cosmonaut with the sunny smile died during a training flight.
Yuri Gagarin didn't just change history and become the face of Soviet cosmonautics; he significantly influenced everyone's lives, demonstrating by his example that anything is possible if you pursue your goals and work on yourself, you can achieve the most incredible heights.
GUU and Space
Today, the State University of Management has established a Center for Space Research, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and Radioelectronic Technologies. One of its areas of focus is integrating the State University of Management into the "Personnel for Space" program. Our young scientists have won the All-Russian Space Dictation.
Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: March 9, 2026.
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