50th Anniversary of the First Man in Space -12 April 1961

Yuri Gagarin- the First Man in Space

It was the greatest exploration for man when Yuri A Gagarin, the Russian cosmonaut successfully orbited the earth for 108 minutes in his Vostok 1 spacecraft on 12 April 1961. He inspired the race for space technology and its potential for mankind. Unfortunately  there was no sophisticated camera to record his view of our Earth. All the same Gagarin is a hero to his countrymen and also to the world. We celebrate his achievement because it embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery. In doing so we are reflecting the past and looking forward to the future.

It is also worthwhile to note that space exploration and research now are collaborative rather than competitive. US, Russia and other technologically advanced countries such as Italy, France, Japan, Great Britain  and Canada are all contributing towards mutual benefits in space science as can be seen in the planning , construction, operation and maintenance of International Space Station (ISS). International astronauts are taking turn to conduct  all kind of space research in ISS.

Google joining the Global Celebration of Yuri Gagarin, First Man in Space

Yuri Gagarin who died in a plane crash seven years after his orbit of the earth will never be forgotten. Children should read about his historic flight for inspiration.  In fact activities to commemorate this historic flight into space could have been arranged to get the children interested to learn and know more about space science. Role modelling is important in children's development. Our children are our hope for the future of our beautiful planet. I  would really  like to see a Malaysian as a dedicated space scientist and a true astronaut and not just a space tourist. Will it be in my lifetime? I doubt it.