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Vostok ejection seat
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Vostok ejection seat
Vostok ejection seat. View of the type of ejection seat fitted to the Vostok spacecraft in 1961-63. The cosmonaut returning to Earth was instructed to eject from the Vostok capsule at an altitude of 7000 metres. This was because the landing forces on the capsule were very high. All Vostok pilots, including Yuri Gagarin and Valentina Tereshkova, used this type of seat. For many years the Soviets kept these seats a secret. They were worried that their space missions would not be recognised, because international recognition for altitude records required the pilot to remain with their craft until landing. Photographed at the Zvezda factory near Moscow
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6328805
© RIA NOVOSTI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Ejection Emergency Escape Gagarin Museum Parachute Rocket Russia Russian Safety Seat Soviet Space Suit Suit Tereshkova Valentina Vostok Yuri Zvezda Egress
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the iconic Vostok ejection seat, a crucial safety feature of the Vostok spacecraft used during the early years of Soviet space exploration. The image provides a rare glimpse into the type of seat that was fitted inside these historic capsules between 1961 and 1963. Designed to ensure the survival of cosmonauts returning to Earth, this particular ejection seat required them to eject at an altitude of 7000 meters. This precautionary measure was implemented due to the high landing forces experienced by the capsule upon reentry. Notably, renowned astronauts Yuri Gagarin and Valentina Tereshkova both relied on this very same type of ejection seat during their groundbreaking missions. Interestingly, for several years, these seats were kept under wraps by Soviet authorities who feared that international recognition for altitude records would not be granted if pilots did not remain with their craft until landing. However, today we have access to this remarkable photograph taken at Zvezda factory near Moscow. The image serves as a testament to Russia's commitment towards ensuring astronaut safety in extreme circumstances. It also highlights how technology advancements in emergency escape systems played a vital role in enabling successful manned space missions during those pioneering days. This stunning piece is undoubtedly a valuable addition to any museum or collection dedicated to commemorating humanity's ventures beyond our planet's boundaries.
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