Vostok I

Sale 1967 - Lot 383

Unsold

Estimate: $ 3,000 - $ 5,000

GAGARIN BOARDS VOSTOK 1 Vostok I. 17 frames of 16 mm. color negative motion picture film showing Gagarin boarding the Vostok capsule. 12 April, 1961

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The world's first manned spaceflight was completely automated. Though a pilot, Gagarin was not expected to actually fly the craft. Unlike later American manned space flights, Gagarin's controls were locked. In case of emergency a key was provided for him to unlock the controls if absolutely necessary.
The Soviets were by no means certain of their success even with such control over the capsule and cosmonaut. Three press releases were prepared, two of which were in case of failure. But it was a success with Gagarin parachuting safely from Vostok 1 after a complete orbit of the Earth, a feat it would take the United States another year to achieve.