The first manned spaceflight occurred in 1961, specifically on April 12. Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin was the first human to travel into space and complete an orbit of Earth aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft. This historic mission lasted approximately 108 minutes, marking a significant achievement during the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Gagarin's successful orbit not only demonstrated the feasibility of human space travel but also inspired generations of scientists and engineers. His journey is celebrated as a pivotal moment in the exploration of space, symbolizing human ingenuity and courage in overcoming the challenges of space exploration.