International Day of Human Space Flight

International Day of Human Space Flight History

International Day of Human Space Flight strives to celebrate the beginning of space era for mankind and to affirm the important contributions of space science and technology, which are instrumental in achieving sustainable development goals and increasing the well-being of nations and individuals. It additionally serves to remind people globally about the significant strides the world has made in space exploration and its future potential.

International Day of Human Space Flight commemorates the maiden flight of Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, who on this day in 1961, became the first human to journey into outer space. To the people of South Africa, this day presents an opportunity to participate in programs advancing the understanding of space science and aspiration towards space studies. South Africa has been an active participant in space science, with initiatives like the Southern African Large Telescope and the launch of the nation's own satellite, ZACube-2.

In South Africa, International Day of Human Space Flight is often marked via educational and public outreach events that work towards raising awareness about the role of humans in space exploration. These events, organised by various institutions, include astronomy workshops, exhibitions, and interactive space-themed gatherings. The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is often at the forefront of celebrating this day, featuring a number of educational programs catering to both young and older audiences. International Day of Human Space Flight is observed each year on April 12.

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.
• Following Mark Shuttleworth's journey to space, the South African government introduced strict regulations regarding private space travel. This includes a permit requirement for any South African engaging in space travel, with violations liable to a fine or up to 10 years in prison.
• The significance of this day also lies in South Africa's involvement in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, the world's largest radio telescope project, expected to revolutionize our understanding about the universe.

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

Top things to do in South Africa 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.
• Watch a documentary to learn more about Human Space Flight in South Africa:
  Space for Everyone - This documentary is about the MeerKAT telescope in South Africa, a project that has propelled the country into the forefront of global astronomy.
  Beyond the Stars: The Shonge Sipuka Story - a documentary about the first black South African to go to space, Mandla Maseko, who won a competition to participate in a suborbital flight offered by the Apollo program.
• Visit the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory: Here, you might be able to attend lectures or exhibits put on for the International Day of Human Space Flight.