Russian Space Program

The Russian Space Program refers to the set of initiatives and activities conducted by Russia, historically under the Soviet Union, to explore, develop, and utilize space. It includes a wide range of missions, including crewed spaceflight, satellite deployment, space research, and interplanetary exploration. The program has been responsible for major achievements in space history, such as launching the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, in 1957, and sending the first human, Yuri Gagarin, into space in 1961. Over the decades, the Russian Space Program has evolved, continuing to contribute to various international space collaborations, including participation in the International Space Station (ISS) program and various robotic missions to other planets. The program encapsulates advancements in aerospace technology, science, and international cooperation in space exploration.