Events

This event is for members only. Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, aboard a spacecraft called the Swallow, became the first man in space and rocketed the Soviet space program into the history books. Aboard Vostok-1, Gagarin radioed from above the Earth, “My spirits are high. The machine is functioning normally.” Gagarin’s history making flight made him an instant Soviet hero. The USSR designated April 12 as Cosmonautics Day, celebrating that first wild ride around the planet and the brave man who survived it. Today people around the world celebrate Yuri’s Night with the goal of “bringing the excitement, passion and promise of space travel closer to people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds.” The New Mexico Museum of Space History joins the party each year with a special Yuri’s Night celebration for museum members only. Authentic Russian hors d’ouevres (yes, they eat more than borscht) will be served along with refreshments. A special presentation A Walk on the Wild Side: Russian Space Stations will be given by Museum Executive Director Chris Orwoll. Dress is American casual, Russian casual, or spacesuits.