International Day of Human Space Flight

International Day of Human Space Flight History

International Day of Human Space Flight is dedicated to celebrating the scientific and technological advancements that have allowed humans to travel beyond the confines of Earth. Recognised by the United Nations, this special day serves to strengthen the aspiration to maintain outer space for peaceful purposes, while inspiring future generations of explorers and innovators.

The inception of International Day of Human Space Flight came on April 12, 1961, when the first human-made flight into space took place undertaken by Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut. For New Zealand, this day resonates as the country is deeply involved in the global space industry. Rocket Lab, a global leader in delivering satellites to space, was established and is headquartered in New Zealand. With its ability to launch satellites more frequently and at a lower cost, the company has significantly impacted the way we study and utilise space, subsequently increasing New Zealand’s stature in the global space community.

In New Zealand, International Day of Human Space Flight is often celebrated by space enthusiasts, researchers, and educators through different public activities and events. These typically include lectures, film screenings, and night-sky observations which help to promote interest in space exploration and science. Various institutions and associations participate by organising informative sessions related to space science and exploration. International Day of Human Space Flight is celebrated on April 12th each year.

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.
• On the International Day of Human Space Flight in 2021, New Zealand was one of the nations that endorsed the Artemis Accords, a blueprint for space cooperation and supporting NASA's plans to return humans to the Moon by 2024 and to develop a sustainable presence there by 2030 on the way to a future potential mission to Mars.
• Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 is the worlds first private orbital launch site and is located on Māhia Peninsula, in the eastern North Island of New Zealand. Offering frequent launch opportunities to low Earth orbit on the Electron rocket, which is essential for Human Spaceflight.

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

Top things to do in NZ 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.
• Visit the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium: Located in Auckland, Stardome Observatory is the best place to celebrate International Day of Human Space Flight. They typically host special events, lectures, and special guided tours of the night sky for this day.
• Attend a tour at the Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1: Known as the first orbital launch site in the Southern Hemisphere, you might not be able to see a rocket launch on a specific day, but you can surely join a guided tour or learn about the history of space exploration in this facility.