On April 12, 1961 the Soviet pilot- the USSR cosmonaut Yuri Alekseevich GAGARIN aboard the Vostok spacecraft performed the first in the World’s history space flight. The spacecraft was launched from the Baikonur Сosmodrome at 09:07 a.m. Moscow time (06:07: 00 UTC). The spacecraft orbited the Earth once and landed at 10: 55 a.m. (07: 55: 00 UTC) in Saratov Region, close to Smelovka village.
The first human flight in space was the most difficult and dangerous, however, the aspiration of many thousands of people engaged in the flight arrangements overcame all barriers. In honor of this historic event, April 12 is celebrated worldwide as the World Aviation and Astronautics Day.
Dear Friends and Colleagues!
Sincere congratulations on the professional holiday to all those courageous and true to duty people whose everyday work is connected with the sky, aviation and astronautics. May your dreams and aspirations are always be high; your health and well-being let you be in the line for many years ahead, and your loved ones delight you with care and warmth of the soul. We wish you further creative success and new accomplishments in your noble work for the benefit of Russian Science and the prosperity of our Center.
Scientific Leader of SPC RAS, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences
R. M. YUSUPOV
Director of SPC RAS, Professor of RAS
A. L. RONZHIN