Russia Marks Spaceflight Anniversary

Russia has marked the 50th anniversary since Yuri Gagarin was launched into space, beating the US in the space race with the first successful manned space flight. Gagarin circled the earth in his 108-minute journey, and his adventure is remembered as one of Russia's most significant moments in science.

In Moscow, President Dmitry Medvedev hosted a glittering reception in the Kremlin to celebrate the anniversary and Russian television showed clips from the event throughout the day. A ceremony also took place at the Moscow space museum where heads of all the world's major space agencies and diplomats gathered to pay homage to the Russian hero. Celebrations closed with a spectacular fireworks display from 13 different locations across the centre of the city.