The first human to travel into space was Yuri Gagarin, who orbited Earth on April 12, 1961. This historic flight aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft marked a significant milestone in the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Gagarin's successful mission not only showcased Soviet technological prowess but also ignited global interest in space exploration. The flight lasted about 108 minutes and confirmed that humans could survive and function in the harsh environment of outer space. Gagarin became an international hero, symbolizing the achievements of space science and the potential for human exploration beyond our planet.