The Gulf Time Newspaper One of the finest business newspapers in the UAE brought to you by our professional writers and editors.
Ritika Sharma / emirates business
Every now and then you hear people comparing an insignificant deed with “man has reached the moon†expression. But how many times did you think it really was that big deal. Not often? Today is a day to not only acknowledge the fact that it indeed is a momentous accomplishment of mankind, but that the first day that marked humans’ journey to space opened up avenues in technology that governs our world today.
What is today?
Today is International Day of Human Space Flight. On April 12, 1961, the first human space flight, carried out by Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet citizen made a historic breakthrough in the world of space and opened the way for space exploration for the benefit of all humanity. Celebrating the beginning of space era, this day reaffirms important contribution of space science and technology in achieving sustainable development goals and increasing the well-being of peoples, as well as ensuring the
realisation of their aspiration to maintain outer space for peaceful purposes.
Background:
On 4 October 1957 the first human-made Earth satellite Sputnik I was launched into outer space, thus opening the way for space exploration. On this day, Yuri Gagarin became the first human to orbit the earth, opening a new chapter of human endeavour in outer space.
The history of human presence in outer space and the remarkable achievements since the first human spaceflight, in particular Valentina Tereshkova becoming the first woman to orbit the Earth on 16 June 1963, Neil Armstrong becoming the first human to set foot upon the surface of the Moon on 20 July 1969, and the docking of the Apollo and Soyuz spacecrafts on 17 July 1975, being the first international human mission in space — humanity has maintained a multinational permanent human presence in outer space.
How can you celebrate?
The 55th anniversary of First Human Space Flight will be commemorated at United Nations today and you must do your bit. Apart from reading more about the space mission of your own country, try to find out what is happening in your area. Talk to the children around you and let them know how far the scape technology has come. Also, you can pay tribute to those who have made an effort in this
field by sharing about this day on your
social media accounts. What better way of celebrating such an achievement of
humanity than sharing it more.
With inpuits and facts from – www.un.org