The first manned spaceflight occurred in 1961. On April 12 of that year, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to journey into outer space. He orbited Earth aboard the spacecraft Vostok 1 for about 108 minutes. This historic mission marked a significant milestone in the Space Race, showcasing the Soviet Union's advancements in space exploration and technology. Gagarin's successful flight not only made him an international hero but also paved the way for future manned space missions, including those by NASA and other space agencies. His courage and achievement continue to inspire generations interested in space exploration.