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Get ready to blast off into space on April 12 for International Day for Human Space Flight! This day commemorates the first human space flight by Yuri Gagarin in 1961, marking a major milestone in space exploration. It is also a reminder of the ongoing efforts and advancements in space technology and our curiosity to explore beyond Earth's boundaries. So whether you're a space enthusiast or just simply fascinated by the wonders of the universe, take this day to appreciate the incredible achievements made possible through human space flight. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be joining those brave astronauts up there!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1957</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Launch of Sputnik</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Soviet Union successfully launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, marking the start of the space age.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1961</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Human in Space</div><div class='timeline-text'>On April 12, Yuri Gagarin of the Soviet Union became the first human to orbit Earth, opening a new chapter in space exploration.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1969</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Moon Landing</div><div class='timeline-text'>American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon during NASA's Apollo 11 mission.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Space Shuttle Mission</div><div class='timeline-text'>NASA launched the first Space Shuttle, Columbia, on a mission that signaled a new era of reusable spacecraft.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Crew to Live Aboard ISS</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first long-term residents, an American and two Russians, arrived at the International Space Station in November.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Private Company Reaches ISS</div><div class='timeline-text'>SpaceX became the first privately-funded company to send a spacecraft, the Dragon, to the International Space Station.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a space-themed movie</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends, make some popcorn and watch a movie about human space flight such as Apollo 13, Hidden Figures or First Man.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a space museum or exhibit</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to your local space museum or visit a special exhibit on human space flight. You'll learn more about the history and technology behind space travel.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a stargazing party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some telescopes and blankets and head out to a nearby park or open field to gaze at the stars. This is a great way to appreciate the vastness of space and our place in it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read books about human space flight</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Visit your local library or bookstore and pick up some books about human space flight. You can learn about the science, technology, and personal stories behind this incredible feat.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a space-themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends over for a space-themed party! Decorate with stars and planets, serve astronaut-inspired food, and play some space-themed games to celebrate this special day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates human achievements in space exploration</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Day for Human Space Flight is a day to recognize and celebrate the incredible scientific and technological advancements that have allowed us to explore beyond our planet. It commemorates all of the hard work, dedication, and bravery of those who have helped make human space flight possible.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes international cooperation and unity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The occasion also serves as a reminder of the peaceful uses of space technology and encourages cooperation between nations in the pursuit of scientific progress. On this day, we can reflect on how working together towards a common goal can transcend political boundaries and bring people from all over the world together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It inspires future generations to reach for the stars</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Day for Human Space Flight also serves as a powerful reminder of how far we've come in terms of space exploration and opens up possibilities for even greater discoveries in the future. By celebrating this day, we can inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM fields and continue pushing boundaries in space travel.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The trip to space can be surprisingly quick</h3><p class='facts-content'>While cosmic distances may seem daunting, it actually took Yuri Gagarin only about 108 minutes to orbit the Earth in his Vostok spacecraft, roughly the same time it takes you to watch a short movie!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Space travellers might grow taller</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the microgravity of space, astronauts can grow up to 2 inches taller due to the spine expanding in the absence of gravity. However, this change is temporary and they return to their normal height once back on Earth.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Space Sickness" affects more than half of all astronauts</h3><p class='facts-content'>Adapting to zero gravity can be challenging for the human body. "Space Sickness", which includes symptoms like dizziness and nausea, affects over half of all astronauts during their first few days in space.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Astronauts can consume food and drink using specially designed packages</h3><p class='facts-content'>Food and drink in space are specially packaged and processed to be easily consumed in a microgravity environment, often in dehydrated form and sealed in special pouches.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Space travel significantly changes the body</h3><p class='facts-content'>Long-term space travel can lead to considerable changes in astronauts' bodies including muscle and bone loss, weakened immune system, and vision problems. Scientists continue to study these effects to ensure safe and prolonged human presence in space.</p></div></div>
International Day for Human Space Flight is celebrated on April 12 every year. In 2024, the date falls on a Friday.
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