1961 Vostok 1 Yuri Gagarin Space Rocket Orbit Soviet Union Enamel Pin Badge
1961 Vostok 1 Yuri Gagarin Space Rocket Orbit Soviet Union Enamel Pin Badge
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This is a very pretty, 1961, Vostok 1 pin badge featuring the rocket orbiting Earth, with the Soviet Union clearly visible in red enamel. A silver coloured metal badge, the badge face is 2.6cm along the longest axis and has a safety clasp style fastener to the rear.
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Over 60 years ago, a 27 year old Russian Mig pilot was preparing to become the first human in space. Yuri Gagarin was selected from the shortlist of 20 cosmonauts due to many factors. He passed the rigorous physical and mental tests, his family came from a working class background which was important as his name would inspire a whole nation. He was only 5' 2 inches which was a favourable size for the cramped conditions in the re-entry capsule and he had a genial, outgoing personality.
The vostok rocket itself was a modified nuclear missile rocket. The rocket carried the vostok module in the nose section.
Because the effects of space travel on the human mind were unknown at this time Gagarin had no control over the rocket, it was remotely piloted from the launch site. Only in an emergency could Gagarin override the controls.