Related: April 12, 1981 was the first orbital flight of the Shuttle Transport System (Space Shuttle). The launch was originally scheduled for 2 days earlier but was scrubbed.
Every year on April 12, there is a celebration called "Yuri's Night: the World Space Party". This year it was celebrated on all seven continents (plus a couple of gatherings in Second Life), and in previous years it has been celebrated on the ISS. It's a great time to reflect on space exploration and technology, as well as on the individual work of astronauts and cosmonauts.
Of particular interest to me is the cultural exchange that went on, even during the Cold War, between those on opposite sides who shared the common experience of having been to space. I had the privilege of picking up some astronauts and cosmonauts at the airport, and every single one of them made a point of telling me about how great it was to interact with those who had been on the other side of the Cold War.
Every year on April 12, there is a celebration called "Yuri's Night: the World Space Party". This year it was celebrated on all seven continents (plus a couple of gatherings in Second Life), and in previous years it has been celebrated on the ISS. It's a great time to reflect on space exploration and technology, as well as on the individual work of astronauts and cosmonauts.
Of particular interest to me is the cultural exchange that went on, even during the Cold War, between those on opposite sides who shared the common experience of having been to space. I had the privilege of picking up some astronauts and cosmonauts at the airport, and every single one of them made a point of telling me about how great it was to interact with those who had been on the other side of the Cold War.