The first manned spaceflight took place on April 12, 1961, when Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin orbited the Earth aboard Vostok 1. This historic mission lasted about 108 minutes, and Gagarin became the first human to travel into outer space and complete an orbit around the planet. Gagarin's flight represented a significant achievement in the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union, showcasing advancements in space exploration technology. His successful mission inspired generations to come and marked the beginning of human involvement in space exploration.