The United Nations(UN)’s International Day of Human Space Flight is annually observed across the globe on 12th April to mark the beginning of the space era for mankind.
- The day also marks the anniversary of the first human space flight was carried out by Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet citizen who made the first human space flight when he orbited the Earth in a Vostok 1 spacecraft.
- The day also highlights the important contribution of space science and technology in achieving the sustainable development goals.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/65/271 on 7th April 2011 and proclaimed the 12th April of every year as International Day of Human Space Flight. “United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs” (UNOOSA) is the UN office responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
ii.The resolution also highlighted the celebration of the 50th anniversary of human space flight on 12th April 2011.
iii.The first-ever International Day of Human Space Flight was observed on 12th April 2011.
Highlights of Maiden Human Space Flight:
i.Sputnik I, the first human made earth satellite was launched on 4th October 1957, opening a way for space exploration.
ii.On 12th April 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first human to orbit the Earth.
iii.On 16th June 1963, Valentina Tereshkova form Russia became the first woman to travel into space and the first woman to orbit the earth.
iv.On 20th July 1969, Neil Armstrong of America became the first human to set foot upon the surface of the Moon.
v.On 17 July 1975, the docking of the Apollo and Soyuz spacecrafts became the first International human mission in space.
UN and Space:
i.The UNGA adopted its first resolution related to outer space, resolution 1348 (XIII), titled “Question of the Peaceful Use of Outer Space”, recognizing the common interest of humankind in outer space.
ii.Magna Carta of Space also known as Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies entered into force on 10th October 1967.
About United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA):
i.UNOOSA is a UN office responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
ii.UNOOSA served as the secretariat for the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space(COPUOS), UNGA’s only committee dealing exclusively with international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
Acting Director– Niklas Hedman
Headquarters– Vienna, Austria
