YURI GAGARIN
1934-1968
Yuri Gagarin was born in Klushino, Russia on March 9th, 1934, just outside of Gzhatsk (renamed Gagarin in 1968 after his death.) Like a lot of families during WWII, the Gagarin family struggled as well. Their home was taken over by a German officer and they had to live in a small mud hut for a year and 9 months. In 1946, the family moved to Gzhatsk, and they took everything with them (the house, too!)
In 1955, Yuri entered the Orenburg Pilot School, and upon graduation joined the Soviet Air Force.
Being one of the most talented pilots in the Soviet Air Force, he was selected among other Soviet pilots to become the first man in space. He was later selected out of the group to become the first man in space.
On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin and his ship, Vostok 1, went into orbit outside of the Earth. He was the first man ever to do so. As the ship took off, he yelled "Поехали!" (Let's go!")
At 7:55 UT, Yuri returned to Earth a hero. He was awarded the Order of Lenin, and given the titles of Hero of the Soviet Union, and Pilot Cosmonaut of the Soviet Union. Monuments were raised to him, and streets and cities were named after him as well.
Sadly, Yuri Gagarin died during a routine test flight on March 27, 1968, 3 days
before his fathers birthday.
In 1955, Yuri entered the Orenburg Pilot School, and upon graduation joined the Soviet Air Force.
Being one of the most talented pilots in the Soviet Air Force, he was selected among other Soviet pilots to become the first man in space. He was later selected out of the group to become the first man in space.
On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin and his ship, Vostok 1, went into orbit outside of the Earth. He was the first man ever to do so. As the ship took off, he yelled "Поехали!" (Let's go!")
At 7:55 UT, Yuri returned to Earth a hero. He was awarded the Order of Lenin, and given the titles of Hero of the Soviet Union, and Pilot Cosmonaut of the Soviet Union. Monuments were raised to him, and streets and cities were named after him as well.
Sadly, Yuri Gagarin died during a routine test flight on March 27, 1968, 3 days
before his fathers birthday.
SOURCES
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12875848
Other information from Google
http://www.biography.com/people/yuri-gagarin-9304838#synopsis&awesm=~oBfqcsDeryKsZh
Feldman, Heather. Space Firsts: The First Man in Space; PowerKids Press, 2003.
Cullen, David. The First Man in Space; World Almanac Library, 2004.
Other information from Google
http://www.biography.com/people/yuri-gagarin-9304838#synopsis&awesm=~oBfqcsDeryKsZh
Feldman, Heather. Space Firsts: The First Man in Space; PowerKids Press, 2003.
Cullen, David. The First Man in Space; World Almanac Library, 2004.
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