Vostok 1: Records File on the First Space Flight by the USSR Citizen Yuri Alexeyevitch Gagarin, Made on April 1...

Description

Official Soviet world record claims for First Human Spaceflight, made to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI)

Vostok 1: Records File on the First Space Flight by the USSR Citizen Yuri Alexeyevitch Gagarin, Made on April 12, 1961, on Spaceship-Sputnik "Vostok," Signed by Yuri Gagarin. (Moscow: USSR Central Aero Club V. P. Tchkalov [named for the famous Soviet aviator], 1961). A 9" x 12" book bound in dark blue leatherette, gilt-lettered in both Russian and English, with the embossed logo of the Central Aero Club, inside covers in silk moiré. Printed on heavy cream stock, each page within a decorative border. Text in Russian. Twelve numbered pages plus title page, with five additional pages featuring B&W photos mounted, recto only. Signed by numerous Soviet officials. A stapled multi-page document summarizes the contents with a full transcription of Gagarin's report (see our website). Excellent.

This imposing official dossier was issued by the Central Aero Club of the USSR, the certifying authority responsible for Soviet aviation and spaceflight records. It serves as the official documentary record of the flight of Vostok 1, the world's first human spaceflight, by Major Yuri A. Gagarin, launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome on April 12, 1961. The file opens with a title page in both Russian and English, followed by multiple formal acts, test records, and flight documentation. Included are:
(1) A general data card identifying the type, configuration, and propulsion system of the Vostok spacecraft, signed by Central Aero Club commissioners.
(2) A weighing certificate for the spacecraft and its payload, dated April 10, 1961, signed by the commission members.
(3) An official act confirming the rocket launch, dated April 12, 1961, providing precise geographic coordinates of Baikonur (47° N, 65° E).
(4) Mathematical and physical derivations defining the orbital parameters of the spacecraft, printed in full technical detail.
(5) And, most significantly, a personal flight report signed authentically by Yuri Gagarin, dated April 15, 1961, in which he describes his observations from orbit, Earth's curvature, weather patterns, atmospheric colors, cloud shadows, and sunrise through the horizon haze. Gagarin concludes by noting his excellent condition and adaptation to spaceflight. This signed Gagarin statement adds exceptional historic and emotional impact, bridging bureaucratic record and human experience at the dawn of manned space exploration.

This document represents the earliest and most authoritative Soviet publication verifying the world's first human spaceflight, prepared immediately after Vostok 1's successful completion. It was produced in very limited numbers for internal recordkeeping, international certification (such as for the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale), and presentation to senior officials. Virtually all known examples reside in institutional or Russian state archives. Copies in private hands are exceedingly rare, particularly those retaining the original binding and complete suite of technical pages.

An artifact of world-changing significance, the first official Soviet record file produced in the immediate aftermath of Yuri Gagarin's pioneering orbit. A museum-worthy relic from the genesis of human spaceflight, representing both the triumph of Soviet engineering and the birth of the Space Age. From an important collection of Soviet-era Space history

More Information:
Report of the Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR, Major Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin On the flight aboard the spacecraft-satellite "Vostok" April 12, 1961

On April 12, 1961, the Soviet spacecraft-satellite Vostok, carrying me on board, was launched into orbit around the Earth. Before the flight, I underwent the appropriate training, a program developed by our scientists. I learned the equipment thoroughly and was fully prepared for spaceflight. Before the flight, I felt excellent — confident, calm, and fully assured of the mission's success. The equipment was in perfect order, reliable, and all my comrades — scientists, engineers, and technicians — were equally confident in the success of this spaceflight.

The launch and ascent proceeded perfectly. I actively participated in the flight, experiencing increased loads, vibrations, and other stresses — all of which I endured well. The onboard systems performed flawlessly and ensured normal flight conditions.

After reaching orbit and the separation of the carrier rocket, weightlessness appeared. At first, the sensation was somewhat unfamiliar, though not unpleasant — I had previously experienced brief moments of reduced gravity. Soon I adapted completely to this state of weightlessness and continued to carry out the flight program assigned to me. In my subjective opinion, weightlessness does not have any adverse effect on the body's performance or physiological functions.

Throughout the flight, I worked conscientiously according to the program. I ate food, drank water, and maintained continuous radio contact with Earth via several channels — both telephone and telegraph. I observed the operation of the spacecraft's systems, reported to Earth, and recorded data in both the logbook and on magnetic tape. During the entire flight, I felt excellent, and my working capacity remained high.

At a certain point in the flight program, I received the command to begin descent. The braking propulsion system was activated, the required deceleration was achieved, and the descent toward Earth began. Reentry and landing occurred as planned by the flight program. I landed safely on Soviet soil and was joyfully met by my compatriots. Landing occurred in a predetermined area.

I would like to share several observations I made while in space: From an altitude of 175 to 327 kilometers, the Earth's surface is clearly visible; The appearance of Earth is roughly the same as we observe from high-altitude jet flights; Large mountain ranges, big rivers, extensive forested areas, shorelines, and islands are easily distinguishable; Clouds covering the Earth's surface, their shadows upon the ground, and large cloud masses are all visible; The sky is completely black; The stars in this black sky appear somewhat brighter and sharper than from the Earth's surface; The Earth's atmosphere is very striking — it appears as a beautiful blue halo encircling the planet; This halo is especially visible when observing the horizon, forming a smooth transition from a light blue near the Earth's surface to a deep dark blue, then to complete blackness; It is a magnificent sight.

When entering sunlight, the Sun shines brilliantly and its rays pass clearly through the atmosphere. Near the Earth's surface, the halo changes color — near the horizon, one can observe a bright orange-red band, which then gradually turns into yellow, green, and finally blue, violet, and black. This transition is also very beautiful.

When entering the Earth's shadow, darkness comes quickly and sharply. Nothing can be seen; apparently, I was flying over the ocean. If large cities were below, I would likely have seen their lights. The stars are observed very well. Emerging from Earth's shadow occurs quickly and suddenly. The effects of spaceflight factors, for which I had been thoroughly prepared, were well tolerated. At present, I feel excellent.

Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR, Major Yuri A. Gagarin
[signed] "Gagarin"

April 15, 1961