Russian Cosmonaut Day

Every year on April 12th, Russian Cosmonaut Day is a celebration of the first human space flight. It may be said to be a chance to confirm the importance of space science and technology.

While space exploration is a topic that attracts attention of over millions around the world, it's now hard to imagine what it was like to be a Russian - or Soviet - citizen back in the day.

The Soviet Union not only succeeded in sending the first man into space. In doing so, it scored a great success against its Cold War rival, the United States.

The world's first astronaut, Yuri Gagarin, orbited the earth and returned safely to Earth on April 12, 1961. At that time, the power blocs of communism and communism capitalism are not only competitive in almost every sphere of activity on earth: industry; military; sport. They are also competing in a space race.

Origin of Russian Cosmonaut Day

Mankind has been obsessed with space since long before the first space flight and first moon landing. Fans for space will be excited at a visit to the City of Stars, which is not far from Moscow city, and have the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. Russia is absolutely proud of its space program and continues to appreciate its cosmonauts. On April 12, 1961, it was the first time to have a person who orbited the Earth aboard Vostok 1, was Yuri Gagarin. This important journey took 1 hour 48 minutes to complete and secured its place in the history books of the world.

The first Cosmonaut Day took place the following year on April 9. More recently, the United Nations General Assembly declared the International Day of Human Space Flight to be April 12, and Russia fell on suitable status. In Moscow, there will some events occured at Korolyov, where Gagarin's statue located before going to Red Square. Participants head to Cosmonauts Alley and the Space Conquerors Memorial before concluding at Novodevichy Cemetery. All these attractions make for an interesting sightseeing itinerary.

Russia, a supporter for space exploration is still high in the sky

What does it mean today? It is a chance to indulge in some nostalgia for achievements from the last century, right? Yes, but apparently not only that. For all the challenges Russia's space program endured during the tumultuous decade after communism ended in 1991, it emerged not only intact but with the International Space Station, remains a leader in space exploration.

Russians approve at least, according to a poll conducted by VCIOM, the Russian Public Opinion Research Center. In a survey conducted in the run up to Cosmonautics Day, they found that more than three-quarters of Russians believe their country is leading in the field of space exploration. More than 90% support Russia's participation in space exploration. Only 9% think less money should be spent on it.

The world of politics, technology and international business has changed a lot since Yuri Gagarin orbited the earth 58 years ago. Space exploration remains an internationally competitive field, but also an area of ​​international cooperation. It is so hard that you can imagine the latter scene during the Cold War. Private enterprise is now engaged where previously it would have only been governments.

One thing that has not changed is Russia's interest in space.

The changing from the Middle Ages to the space age is very important

Of course, the United States made its first moon landing at the end of that decade. However, Gagarin's flight was the first major one, as result that it became much more remarkable because it's only been 100 years since Russia gave freedom to millions of serfs forced to work the land for their owners. In that respect, the country has gone from the middle Ages to the Space Age in a short century.

Naturally, it was a source of great pride for the entire Soviet Union, from the top leadership to the common people.

In fact, it was such an important opportunity that April 12^th every year is still considered as 'Astronautics Day' in Russia.

It is not a major holiday like those celebrated in Russia to celebrate, such as New Year or victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War. In Russia, many professions have their day which they will celebrate in their own way and this is the day for those who work in this field.

However, there is something special about the space. Perhaps it is unsurprising that Gagarin has been appeared in the name of streets and squares across the former Soviet Union. Reflecting a national love of space exploration and technological achievements, the scientists were also given a name check. For example, a street has named Sergei Korolev for the pioneering rocket engineer near the Park of Economic Achievement.