The first human to journey into outer space was Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut. On April 12, 1961, he made a singular orbit around the Earth in the spacecraft Vostok 1. His pioneering flight marked a significant milestone in the Space Race and human space exploration, igniting global interest in space travel. Gagarin's successful mission lasted approximately 108 minutes and made him an international hero. His achievement not only showcased the technology of the era but also had a profound impact on science, technology, and international politics, symbolizing human curiosity and the quest to explore beyond the planet.