Humans and Creatures in Space

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Yuri Gagarin The first human in space
Yuri Gagarin was the first human/man in space. He blasted into Yuri Gagarin was the first human in space.  He blasted into space on April 12, 1961 on the Vostok 1.  The Vostok 1 circled at a speed of 27,400 Kilometers per hour!  Yuri Gagarin also became the first person to orbit the earth on the day he went into space.  His flight lasted 108 minutes.  At the highest point, Yuri Gagarin was about 327 kilometers above earth.  Yuri Gagarin, luckily, landed on earth safely.  He planned on flying in space a second time, but unfortunately he died.
Valentina Tereshkova, The first woman in space
Valentina Tereshkova was the first woman in space. Tereshkova was launched on board Vostok 6 on June 16, 1963 and became the first woman to fly in space. During the 70.8 hour flight, Vostok 6 made 48 orbits of Earth. Upon completion of her mission, Tereshkova was honored with the title Hero of the Soviet Union. She never flew again, but she did become a speaker for the Soviet Union.  She also received the United Nations Gold Medal of Peace.
Neil Armstrong The first human on the moon
Neil Armstrong was the first man to step on the moon. In July of 1969, Neil Armstrong was the commander of Apollo 11, America's first attempt to land a manned vehicle on the Moon. On July 20, 1969 Commander Armstrong and fellow astronaut Edwin Aldrin successfully touched down on the lunar surface. As Armstrong became the first person to touch the Moon's surface, he spoke the memorable phrase, "That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind". He and Aldrin explored the Moon's surface for 2.5 hours. Armstrong was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in credit of his accomplishments and his help to the space program.
Laika The first animal in space
The first animal in space was a dog named Laika.  Laika went into space in Sputnik II on November 3, 1957.  She stayed in space for 3 days before being put to sleep.

Did you know?  All humans in space wear oxygen tanks and pressurized suits.  However, many things can live in outer space.  Scientists experiment with all sorts of living creatures, including bacteria and seeds!

Looking for Water and Life throughout the Universe 

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