Matéria de Capa | Yuri Gagarin, O Pioneiro | 11/04/2021

Yuri Gagarin: The First Human in Space

Historical Context of the Mission

• Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel beyond Earth's orbit, marking a significant milestone in space exploration and human achievement.

• His historic flight took place on April 12, 1961, at 9:07 AM Moscow time, amidst considerable uncertainty from mission planners regarding its success.

Details of the Flight

• Gagarin's spacecraft completed one orbit around Earth in 108 minutes, reaching a maximum altitude of 327 km.

• In case of engine failure during re-entry, Gagarin would have had to survive in space until his supplies ran out; fortunately, this was not necessary as he returned safely within two hours.

Secrets and Challenges

• A critical detail kept secret for years was that Gagarin ejected from the spacecraft at about 7 km altitude and deployed his parachute for landing.

• The International Aeronautical Federation required that pilots remain inside their craft for a flight to be considered "space travel," which led to misinformation about his landing.

Technical Aspects and Preparations

• At the time, NASA was uncertain about how weightlessness would affect astronauts; thus, controls were largely automated or managed from ground control.

• Sergei Korolev, head of the mission, bypassed protocol by giving Gagarin manual control codes before launch to prepare him for emergencies.

Selection and Legacy of Yuri Gagarin

• Gagarin was chosen due to his unique characteristics among other candidates; notably his height (1.57 m), which suited the cramped conditions of the spacecraft.

• Upon becoming the first person to see Earth from space, he famously remarked that "the Earth is blue," highlighting humanity's perspective shift regarding our planet.

Cultural Impact and Aftermath

• A film released in 2011 commemorated Gagarin’s journey using archival footage and modern technology to recreate his flight experience.

• Following his return, Gagarin became an international hero and symbolized Soviet prowess during the Cold War era; he traveled globally promoting Soviet achievements in space exploration.

Final Years and Tragic End

• Despite being celebrated as a national hero, Gagarin's career as an astronaut ended prematurely due to safety concerns over losing such a prominent figure.

• He returned to military service but tragically died in a plane crash on March 27, 1968.

Apollo 11 and the Space Race

Tribute to Yuri Gagarin

• The Apollo 11 astronauts left a commemorative tribute to Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, highlighting his status as a hero for scientists and astronauts involved in space exploration.

Cold War Cooperation

• As the Cold War tensions eased, the United States and the Soviet Union began cooperating in space science. In 1975, they conducted a joint mission with Apollo and Soyuz spacecraft.

International Space Station Development

• Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, international collaboration led to the construction of the International Space Station (ISS), with its first modules launched in 1998. The ISS continues to operate today, hosting astronauts from various countries.

Timeline of Key Events in Space Exploration

• The space race began in the 1950s with significant milestones:

• 1957: USSR launches Sputnik; Laika becomes first living creature in orbit.

• 1961: Yuri Gagarin completes historic flight.

• 1963: Valentina Tereshkova becomes first woman in space.

• 1969: Apollo 11 lands on Moon; Neil Armstrong is first person to walk on lunar surface.

Challenges of Apollo 13 Mission

• During Apollo 13's mission on April 13, 1970, an oxygen tank explosion jeopardized their return journey after completing over two days in space. The crew had to conserve resources while navigating back to Earth safely.

Training Future Cosmonauts

Rigorous Selection Process

• A visit to Russia's cosmonaut training center reveals a highly selective process for candidates aspiring to become cosmonauts, emphasizing physical and psychological health as essential criteria for selection.

Personal Journey of Ana Cristina

• Ana Cristina shares her inspiring story of pursuing her dream of becoming a cosmonaut through rigorous testing and preparation while maintaining secrecy about her application until she was accepted into training. Her determination exemplifies courage and ambition within this elite field.

Training for Space Missions

Simulating Real Conditions

• Astronauts spend extensive time in training, often in space suits, to prepare for real missions. The Soyuz rocket simulator closely mimics actual conditions faced during space travel.

• Training includes responding to emergencies such as fires or depressurization, ensuring astronauts can act according to instructions and adapt to unexpected situations.

Journey to the International Space Station (ISS)

• A typical journey to the ISS lasts about six hours, with astronauts allowed limited personal items on special occasions like anniversaries or New Year's Eve. Essential supplies include food, hygiene kits, and navigation charts.

• Candidates undergo rigorous testing in simulators that replicate astronaut operations, including geographical navigation and electrical circuit assembly under pressure. This specific simulator is unique worldwide.

Skills Required for Astronaut Candidates

• Successful candidates must be proficient in English and technology while demonstrating versatility; they may even face questions about art or literature during evaluations.

• The ISS features a module that operates independently and contains all necessary life-support systems for astronauts during their missions. This module serves as a second home for many crew members.

Technological Innovations from Space Exploration

Advancements Benefiting Life on Earth

• The space race has led to numerous technologies designed for human survival beyond Earth, which have also improved life on our planet—like creating environments that support human life without gravity or oxygen.

• Many inventions initially developed for space missions have been adapted for everyday use on Earth, such as mechanical prosthetics originally designed for spacecraft and sensors used in robotics.

Health Technologies Derived from Space Research

• NASA's research has resulted in medical advancements like insulin pumps that regulate blood sugar levels automatically—a significant development stemming from monitoring systems used during space missions.

Computing Innovations

• The first portable computer used by NASA was pivotal in the 1980s; it facilitated communication with spacecraft systems and satellite launches while being nicknamed "Spock." This innovation laid groundwork for modern computing devices like laptops and smartphones with cameras developed later on through similar technology advancements from NASA's projects.

The Space Race: A Modern Exploration

Historical Context of Space Exploration

• The discussion begins by drawing parallels between the space race and the era of discoveries, highlighting how both involved significant challenges and unknown territories.

• The mention of Mercury and Apollo II emphasizes key milestones in the space race, showcasing humanity's quest to explore beyond Earth.

• It is noted that just as navigators in the past relied on limited instruments and celestial navigation, modern scientists utilize advanced technology and computing for space exploration.

The Nature of Discovery

• The speaker reflects on the continuous human drive to venture into the unknown, whether it be oceans or outer space, indicating a timeless pursuit of knowledge.

• The closing remarks suggest an ongoing journey in exploration, inviting listeners to return for future discussions on this captivating subject.