Yuri Gagarin

WHAT YOU KNEW

Yuri Gagarin was the first man in space . He was born in the Soviet Union . I choose this man for my research because I am interested in the history of the space exploration . I am going to research the story of the first cosmonaut 's life , what background he had and what contributed to his achievement , what difficulties he had to face and how he coped with the burden of fame

WHAT YOU WANTED TO KNOW

First I am going to learn where Gagarin was born and what education

he had obtained . I am also interested in the reasons that influenced his decision to become a pilot and then a cosmonaut . It would be interesting to know whether he had undergone special trainings or tests to become a cosmonaut . I also would like to know some interesting information about his life which may help me to understand what kind of person Gagarin was . And finally I want to find out whether there is something common between Gagarin 's childhood and mine and what his features I have to follow to achieve success

WHAT YOU FOUND OUT

Yuri Gagarin was born in village of Klushino near the town of Gzhatsk Smolensk Region , Russia , on March 9 , 1934 . When he was fifteen he entered a vocational school and learned to be a metalworker . In two years as the best student he was sent to continue his study to Saratov high technical school . While studying there , he joined the AeroClub where he trained to fly an aircraft . This hobby predetermined his future career . Gagarin decided to devote his life to aviation . In 1955 he enrolled into the Russian Air Force and two years later graduated with honors from the Soviet Air Force Academy . In 1959 Gagarin participated in the competitive selection to the group of test-pilots to test new and experimental aircraft . In 1960 he began his preparation to the flight into space . He took special training with the group of other 20 pilots In the course of that training he took part in a series of experiments designed to test his physical and psychological endurance and readiness to the upcoming flight . So after thorough preparations and trainings Gagarin became the first human to travel into space in the vessel Vostok 3KA-2 on April 12 , 1961 . The flight lasted 108 minutes and ended successfully . For this accomplishment Gagarin was awarded the medal and official title Hero of the Soviet Union . The success of Gagarin 's first flight has started the modern era of man in space . After that even Gagarin became a world-known person , a lot of famous people arranged meetings with him . It was not easy to be the first cosmonaut in the world . Gagarin was constantly invited to different celebrations . The fame was difficult test to withstand and finally it turned into the troubles with alcoholism . Nevertheless , Gagarin managed to get accustomed to his fame and pull himself together . Another struggle Gagarin had to fight was living in...