Yuri Gagarin - The first human in space (172)

9.07 a.m., April 12, 1961. A top-secret rocket site in the USSR. A young Russian sits inside a tiny capsule on top of the Soviet Union’s most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile and blasts into the skies. His name is Yuri Gagarin. And he is about to make history.  We speak with Stephen Walker author of “Beyond” a new book that tells the thrilling story behind that epic flight on its sixtieth anniversary.  Drawing on extensive original research and the vivid testimonies of eyewitnesses, many of whom have never spoken before, Stephen unpacks secrets that were hidden for decades and takes you into the drama of one of humanity's greatest adventures. Now I thought I knew Gagarins’s story, but discovered so much more after reading this book. The episode just scratches the surface and there is so much more in the book itself, Stephen and I could have talked for hours.  This podcast wouldn’t exist without the generous support of our Patreons If you are enjoying the podcast, and want to continue to hear it please support me via a small (or large) monthly donation. Plus, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.  Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.  I am delighted to welcome Stephen Walker to our Cold War conversation… There are a book giveaway and further information on this episode in our episode notes here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode172/ If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook. Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye. Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations 0:00 Introduction 4:19 The significance of the first man in space and misconceptions 10:14 The Soviet Union’s involvement in the space race 18:37 The KGB's insistence on having a bomb onboard the spacecraft 27:58 The secrecy of the Soviet space program 33:44 The Myth of the Lost cosmonauts 38:22 Gagarin's landing and the unravelling of decades-long lies 52:20 Gagarin's demeanour during the launch and the aftermath of the landing 1:02:01 The decision to leapfrog the Soviets in the space race and Gagarin's life post-space mission 1:10:21 Closing and acknowledgements of patrons Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices