With the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957, the Soviet Union became the world's leader in space exploration. The Soviets followed Sputnik with a steady stream of space achievements, culminating in Vostok 1, the world’s first manned space flight. On April 12, 1961, Vostok 1 and its pilot, Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, orbited the Earth once and successfully landed in Kazakhstan. After the flight, Gagarin became an international celebrity. This Type 1 photo captures the Cosmonaut during his 1961 visit to Great Britain, just three months after the history-making flight. Gagarin shakes hands with British Prime Minister Harold MacMillan on the steps of the Admiralty House in London. Gagarin wears his Soviet uniform and is flanked by several dignitaries and British Bobbies. The front of the Type 1 photo has a nice sepia tone with some light corner wear to the white borders. The reverse of the photo has the printed Mirrorpic caption and stamped credits and “20 Jul 1961” date. The photo has been graded Type 1 Authentic and encapsulated by PSA.