Human spaceflight became a reality 45 years ago with the launch of a bell-shaped capsule called, “Vostok 1.” The capsule was carrying Soviet Cosmonaut Yuri’s Gagarin, who took his place in history as the first human to leave the bounds of Earth and enter outer space.

Exactly 15 years later, the United States embarked on a new era in spaceflight with the inaugural launch of a new type of spaceship – the Space Shuttle. Designed to carry a larger crew and large volumes of cargo to orbit, the Space Shuttles became synonymous with human spaceflight for an entirely new generation of young people.

When the next 15-year point arrived, that generation, often called “Gen X,” laid a new space milestone by connecting thousands of people around the world to celebrate and honor the past, while building a stairway to the future. This event was Yuri’s Night and it continues to bring the excitement, passion, and promise of space travel closer to people of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds.

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., leads the world in scientific discovery and understanding through revolutionary missions and research. Goddard is the home of innovative Earth science, astrophysics, heliophysics and planetary science. Founded in 1959, it is the Nation's largest organization of combined scientists and engineers dedicated to learning and sharing their knowledge of the Earth, solar system, and Universe.

Space Generation Advisory Council

The Space Generation Advisory Council in support of the United Nations Programme on Space Application (SGAC) is a non-governmental organization that aims to represent students and young space professionals to the United Nations, States, and space agencies. Its focus is on pragmatic space policy advise to policy makers based on the interests of students and young professionals, broadly in the age range 18-35, interested in space from around the world. In addition to policy advice its members carry out a range of projects including Yuri’s Night - a World Space Party.