INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT


Something about outer space that is truly awe-inspiring is with respect to it's incomprehensible vastness, our earth being just a dot in the Solar System of the Milky Way, which in turn is just one of the millons of galaxies in the universe...

Though inaugural attempts at space exploration began on October 4 1957 with the launch of the Sputnik I satellite, and the Sputnik 2 (with dog Laika) the following month, it was not until April 7, 2011 that UN General Assembly decided upon this day as International Day of Human Space Flight...

The theme for 2024 is -
“Encourage scientific curiosity.“
It aims to promote exploration and maintenance of outer space for peaceful purposes...

While it was Neil Armstrong who carved a historical niche for himself on 21st July 1969 for taking the first step on a world beyond ours, it was Soviet Union's Yuri Gagarin who completed the first human space flight, this day in 1961, paving the way for exploration of outer space for the benefit of humankind. Valentina Tereshkova emulated him in 1963 to become the first lady to do so...

Occupying an expanse at about 100 kilometres above the earth, "SPACE" has always fascinated mankind. The trouble of getting up there notwithstanding, it would be interesting to learn whether we mere mortals, being used to comforts like air, water, and gravity, would really enjoy being there what with extreme temperatures and possible radiation. Once up, where further do we travel to? And how?...

The football-field sized International Space Station, orbiting earth every 90 minutes till date, is an excellent example of a global scientific cooperation marvel by five space agencies representing 15 countries, serving both as a home and a space lab. Till March 2024, it has hosted 279 visitors from 22 nations. The ISS is expected to remain in service till January 2031...

Of the 7 major space mission disasters, the SS Challenger (28 Jan 1986) and SS Columbia (1 Feb 2003) have been the most traumatic...

This special day highlights the amazing success we have achieved in space exploration, encouraging and inspiring people to take on challenges, forgetting all differences for the common good...

The advent of many private players of late is certainly a shot in the arm for space travel prospects. Who knows, the Luna in the near future could emerge as a junction for travel to other planets and stars, as nations come together to use space for peaceful ends...

🙏🙏

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