VOICED: Fifty years on since Gagarin's flight into space

Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, launched from the USSR on April 12, 1961, orbiting Earth in under two hours. His achievement was celebrated across the Soviet Union, marking a significant Cold War victory over the USA. Gagarin, from a humble background, became a national icon and a symbol of Soviet ideology. Despite his untimely death in a 1968 plane crash, Gagarin's legacy endures as a global hero whose image survived the USSR's collapse.

What significant event took place on April 12, 1961?

• Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space.

• The USSR launched its first satellite.

• The first man landed on the moon.

• The Cold War ended.

How was Gagarin's achievement perceived in the context of the Cold War?

• As an unimportant event.

• As a minor scientific milestone.

• As a defeat for the Soviet Union.

• As a major victory for the Soviet Union.

What aspect of Gagarin's background was emphasized by Soviet propaganda?

• His aristocratic lineage.

• His military background.

• His peasant and worker roots.

• His foreign education.

What was one of Gagarin's dreams after orbiting the Earth?

• To retire from space exploration.

• To write a book.

• To become a politician.

• To travel to the moon.

How did Gagarin's life tragically end?

• In a space accident.

• Due to illness.

• In a plane crash.

• In a car accident.