April 12: International Day of Human Space Flight
Every year, International Day of Human Space Flight is observed on April 12. The day commemorates the anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s historic spaceflight in 1961
Background
The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in April 2011 to observe International Day of human Space Flight on April 12. It aims to reaffirm the contribution of space in achieving SDGs.
Why April 12?
In 1957, the first human made earth satellite Sputnik I was launched into outer space. On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first man to orbit the earth successfully. This opened human endeavor to outer space.
UNOOSA
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs is the office that promotes international cooperation for peaceful uses in outer space. The events of United Nations to celebrate the day are organized by UNOOSA. UNOOSA aims to promote international cooperation of outer space.
Other observances
The day is celebrated as Cosmonautics Day in Soviet Union. The United States since 2001 is celebrating the day as “World Space Party”.
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Month: Current Affairs - April, 2020