Vostok 1 was the first spacecraft to carry a human into space, launched by the Soviet Union on April 12, 1961. The mission was piloted by Yuri Gagarin, who became the first human to orbit the Earth. The spacecraft completed one orbit around the planet, lasting approximately 108 minutes before safely returning to the ground. The launch took place from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Vostok 1 marked a significant milestone in the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union, showcasing the advancements in space exploration and solidifying Gagarin's status as a global hero.