International Day of Human Space Flight

International Day of Human Space Flight History

International Day of Human Space Flight is dedicated to honouring the scientific and technological achievements made in the field of space travel. Celebrated globally, the day highlights the milestones man has achieved in space exploration, promoting international cooperation and invigorating public interest in space science. The Observance also celebrates human courage and acknowledges the men and women who have ventured into space, their contributions to technological advancements, and humanity's quest for the unknown.

International Day of Human Space Flight was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 to commemorate the first human space flight by Yuri Gagarin on April 12, 1961. For India, this day holds symbolic significance as the nation has continually strived to make substantial strides in space exploration. Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) successful missions, including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, underscores India's progress in this scientific domain. It serves as a testament to India's capabilities, enhancing national pride and inspiring future Indian astronauts.

In India, the International Day of Human Space Flight is observed through various forms and mediums. Indian scientific communities organise lectures, workshops, and awareness programmes on space science and technology. Furthermore, media networks, schools, colleges and universities often host related events to create awareness and foster interest among the general public and especially amongst students. International Day of Human Space Flight is observed on April 12, celebrating the accomplishments and possibilities of human space exploration.

Facts about International Day of Human Space Flight

• The first manned mission to land on the moon was Apollo 11. The mission was successfully completed on July 20, 1969 by astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. They became the first humans in history to step on another planetary body.
• NASA’s Artemis program hopes to land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024. They hope to work with commercial and international partners to establish sustainable exploration of the moon. Their goal after that is to send astronauts to Mars.
• A full NASA space suit costs $12,000,000. About 70% of the cost is for the backpack and control module.
• Indian scientists and ISRO celebrate this day in recognition of their past accomplishments, present projects, and future missions, dreaming of the day India joins the list of countries that have sent humans into space. In 2021, on the International Day of Human Space Flight, ISRO announced that four Indian Air Force pilots are being trained in Russia for the Gaganyaan mission, and their training was set to be completed within the first half of 2022. It was a historic moment for India in the field of human space flight.
• With a successful human space flight, India would become the fourth country to send a human into space, following Russia, the United States and China.

In the News and Trending in India for International Day of Human Space Flight

Top things to do in India for this observance

• Learn more about NASA's Artemis program and how they plan to return to the moon.
• Learn more about the United Nation's Voyager Golden Record message that was sent into space in 1977.
• Watch a documentary to learn more about Human Space Flight in India:
  Mission Mangal (2019): This Bollywood film is based on the true story of the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Mars Orbiter Mission, which was India's first interplanetary expedition.
  Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022): This is an upcoming biographical drama film based on the life of Nambi Narayanan, a former scientist and aerospace engineer of the ISRO who was accused of espionage.
• Visit the Nehru Planetarium: This planetarium in New Delhi is a prominent hub for astronomical studies and research. It often hosts events and lectures that detail India's achievements in space research and the significance of Human Space Flight.