Cosmonaut Day / International Day of Human Space Flight
About Cosmonaut Day
Date When Celebrated: Cosmonaut Day is always observed on April 12
Space flight began with unmanned flights. Like any new technology, it was a learning process and things went wrong. Once rocket science improved and became safer, monkeys were launched into space, to test the safety of space travel and how it might affect humans. Finally, a human being was launched into space. Russian astronaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space on April 12, 1961, aboard Vostok 1. He spent 108 minutes in space, orbiting the planet once. This flight marked the beginning of the space race between the USSR and the U.S. While Russia (then the USSR) put the first man in space, the United States went on to be the first to put a man on the moon. Gagarin’s space flight was the catalyst to create Cosmonaut Day.
Fifty years after that momentous space flight, the 65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this day to be “International Day of Human Space Flight“, to mark the beginning of space flight by humans. Resolution # A/RES/65/271 stressed the importance of human space flight to science and technology. While this event started as a Russian celebration of a major Russian accomplishment, it is truly a celebration for all mankind to savor.
This day is also called the International Day of Human Space Flight. This title seems much more appropriate, as it is far more inclusive.
How to Celebrate Cosmonaut Day
- Read a book on the history of space flight.
- Watch a movie or documentary about space flight.
- Learn more about the history of space flight, including space activities in all countries that are active in space.
- Become current about current space plans and activities.
- Watch a movie about space. May we suggest Apollo 13?
- Go outside tonight to look at the stars, planets, and the moon.
- Check the International Space Station schedule to see if you can see it in the night sky tonight.
Today's Quote
The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Related Holidays
History and Origin of Cosmonaut Day
On April 9, 1962, USSR’s Supreme Council decreed April 12 to be Cosmonaut Day. It is celebrated yearly in Russia and a number of other countries.
More About Today
What happened on this Day? This Day in History
Recipe of the Day: Peas with Sour Cream
Flower of the Day: Poppy
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