Major Gherman Titov turned a page in the history of Russia’s conquest of space fifty years ago. He completed the first multi-orbital flight aboard Vostok II (17 orbits in 25 hours 18 minutes), covering a distance of more than 700,000 kilometers.
Major Gherman Titov turned a page in the history of Russia’s conquest of space fifty years ago. He completed the first multi-orbital flight aboard Vostok II (17 orbits in 25 hours 18 minutes), covering a distance of more than 700,000 kilometers. Photo: Gherman Titov just before taking off.
Gherman Titov was the first pilot to check the multifunctional on-board systems, take pictures of the Earth, eat and use the toilet. Photo: Gherman Titov during a pre-flight medical check-up.
A month shy of his 26th birthday on the launch date, Gherman Titov still remains the youngest person in space.
Gherman Titov was Yuri Gagarin's back-up pilot, therefore he could also have been the first man to fly to space. But that sense of competition did not ruin their relationship, and the two remained firm friends. Gagarin rejoiced at Titov’s success along with Titov when Vostok II landed.
Photo: August 9, 1961. Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union Nikita Khrushchev and cosmonauts Yuri Gagarin, center, and Gherman Titov wave to Muscovites during a demonstration devoted to Titov’s successful flight.
Photo: August 9, 1961. Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union Nikita Khrushchev and cosmonauts Yuri Gagarin, center, and Gherman Titov wave to Muscovites during a demonstration devoted to Titov’s successful flight.
On August 9, 1961, Major Gherman Titov was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union in recognition of his successful flight and the courage and heroism he displayed during it.
Photo: Muscovites greet Gherman Titov after his historic flight aboard the Vostok II spaceship.
Photo: Muscovites greet Gherman Titov after his historic flight aboard the Vostok II spaceship.
On August 9, 1961, when cosmonaut Titov was welcomed back: the entire country celebrated.
Titov’s compatriots stood in long lines to get the special edition of the Pravda newspaper dedicated to Titov’s flight.
