Yuri Gagarin's 1961 visit to Brazil marked 65 years later

On July 29, 1961 Yuri Gagarin, the Soviet cosmonaut who became the first human to orbit Earth, began a tour of Brazil that lasted until early August. Traveling through Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Brasília, he was received by large crowds, met scientists, intellectuals and students, and was awarded the Order of Aeronautical Merit, Brazil's highest Air Force honor. The trip was part of the Soviet “Missão de Paz” and helped restore diplomatic relations between Brazil and the USSR while inspiring the creation of the National Institute for Space Research (INPE).

The 65th anniversary of the visit was observed on July 29, 2026, recalling Gagarin's impact on Brazil’s public enthusiasm for space exploration and Cold‑War era diplomacy. Media coverage highlighted his famous remark "the Earth is blue" and his legacy as a symbol of scientific progress and international friendship.