50 years ago...
 

.. a gentleman by the name of Yuri Gagarin strapped himself to a big arse rocket and flew to space! :woot:

http://dudesweat.sweatparty.com/wp-c...rin-news11.jpg

So the space age began 50 years ago today? Wow! A great moment in history, truly a landmark event...

I was just discussing the aftermath of the V2 rocket and its inclusion in the US space program in another thread. Very interesting to see "VON BRAUN's REACTION:" in the newspaper headline. Seems quite indicative of his status as a major player/spokesman for NASA.

Great share, thanks very much! :up:

Well, I think the space age started on 4 Oct 1957 with the launch of Sputnik

Wow. Completely missed that. Thanks Dowly!

I have a DvD documentary on Gagarin's life. It was pretty tragic. According to this documentary (I will have to dig it out to get the name) Yuri was the first international celebrity that was not a political figure. Unfortunately Yuri was unprepared and so was everyone else at the notoriety and he did not handle it well.

I *think* the documentary was entitled Red Star Rising but I may have that confused with another documentary on Soviet space programs.

But anyway, it seems that he was not a happy man after his flight.

I guess you're technically correct, but still the first man in space seems like the greater benchmark...

An awesome moment in history! :sunny:

Space history is so cooleo we can have and enjoy multiple "first" celebrations. :yeah:

On occasions like this, I always think of Tom Hanks' line in Apollo 13:

"It's not a miracle. We just decided to go."

Here's to all the "non-miracle" workers who just decided to go. :salute:

That was my favourite line also. :yep:

Yuri. He had the Right Stuff. :salute: Hа здоровье!

http://www.universetoday.com/wp-cont..._1-502x580.jpg

Today at me birthday. A double holiday.

Happy birthday Susexx Have TWO beers. :woot::woot:

Magic

Ahh, the times when mankind actually achieved something worthwile

And happy birthday Susexx :woot:

Thanks friends :) Spasibo (rus)

C Днём Рождения! сусекс :P and yes indeed have 2 beers!:up: