Passion or Profession: First Man in Space

Period: 1934–1968

Yuri began his journey toward becoming a cosmonaut when he began flying light aircraft as a hobby. He later went through military flight school and was selected to join the Russian space program. In 1961 he was selected by the program and became the first man to enter space. Upon his return home he became an international celebrity. Unfortunately, the pressures of the lifestyle led to heavy drinking. He died in a fighter jet crash in 1968.