In 1957 Russia launched the world’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik, into space and just four years later sent the first ever human – Yuri Gagarin.
The graphics from this period are well worth seeing at the Science Museum in London.
From the Science Museum:
Explore the historical, cultural and spiritual context of Russian space travel, shaped especially by the turbulent early decades of the twentieth century. See poignant testimonies and memorabilia belonging to some of the biggest names in spaceflight and discover the deeply personal stories of the pioneers who kick-started the space age. Discover the dramatic story of how Russia turned the dream of space travel into a reality and became the first nation to explore space in this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition.
Posters of the golden age of Soviet cosmonauts:
Konstantin Ivanov, The road is open for humans, 1960
Nikolai Charukin, Happy New Year Kids! 1964
There’s a very interesting article on the BBC website (www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-34281621)
The exhibition costs £14 (concessions are available) and is on until March 2016.
Full details at www.sciencemuseum.org.uk