What does it take to fall in love with space? Sometimes, just a photograph, of a rocket slicing through a heart-shaped cloud, can do the job,&rdquo; says Umesh Kumar Rustagi, director of the Nehru Science Centre.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/apr/Yuri-Gagarin_e.jpg" alt="Yuri Gagarin" width="1280" height="720" /> Yuri Gagarin
To mark the 65th anniversary of the first human spaceflight, the Nehru Science Centre is hosting a week-long exhibition titled Gagarin to Gaganyaan, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Russia and Russian House.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/apr/Passionate-space-a_e.jpg" alt="Space in reflection. Launch of the Proton-M launch vehicle carrying the Yamal-601 satellite, 2019" width="1280" height="720" /> Space in reflection. Launch of the Proton-M launch vehicle carrying the Yamal-601 satellite, 2019
The exhibition pays tribute to Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who became the first human in space on April 12, 1961, after completing an 108-minute orbital flight aboard Vostok 1. The then 27-year-old pilot launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, completed one orbit of the Earth, and safely parachuted back to the ground.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/apr/Passionate-space_e.jpg" alt="Passionate about space" width="1280" height="720" /> Passionate about space
Nearly 40 photographs are on display, documenting rocket launches, space missions, and the rigorous training of cosmonauts. &ldquo;This exhibition is essentially a collection of photographs related to the Russian space programme, beginning with Yuri Gagarin,&rdquo; reiterates Rustagi. &ldquo;We have also included training photographs of cosmonauts so that people can understand the extensive preparation required for space travel.&rdquo;
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/apr/Training-Centre_e.jpg" alt="In the centrifuge. A cosmonaut prepares for training on the TsF-7 centrifuge at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre" width="1280" height="720" /> In the centrifuge. A cosmonaut prepares for training on the TsF-7 centrifuge at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre
Explaining the idea behind the exhibition Rustagi emphasises, &ldquo;That the aim is not only to inform but also to engage visitors emotionally. &ldquo;There are some beautiful pictures here, from a photographic point of view that can make people fall in love with space.&rdquo;
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/apr/Umesh-Rustagi_e.jpg" alt="Umesh Kumar Rustagi" width="1280" height="720" /> Umesh Kumar Rustagi
The exhibition also connects Russia&rsquo;s space journey with India&rsquo;s, referencing milestones such as the launch of India&rsquo;s first satellite, Aryabhata, on 19 April 1975, using a Kosmos-3M launch vehicle from the Kapustin Yar cosmodrome in Russia. &ldquo;India and Russia have collaborated extensively in space programmes,&rdquo; Rustagi informs us, adding that such partnerships were crucial to India&rsquo;s early advancements.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/apr/Technicians_e.jpg" alt="Final integration. Technicians prepare the payload stack for mating with the core stages" width="1280" height="720" /> Final integration. Technicians prepare the payload stack for mating with the core stages
&ldquo;A documentary titled To Be a Cosmonaut is also being screened, offering a detailed look at the training process from day one and highlighting the discipline and endurance required to qualify for space missions,&rdquo; concludes Rustagi.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/apr/Spacecraft_e.jpg" alt="Through the snow to orbit. Winter launch of the Progress MS-09 spacecraft, 2018" width="1280" height="720" /> Through the snow to orbit. Winter launch of the Progress MS-09 spacecraft, 2018
TILL April 19; 10 am to 6 pm&nbsp; AT Nehru Science Centre (NSC), Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli.&nbsp; CALL 24900518 ENTRY NSC ticket prices apply

To mark the 65th anniversary of the first human spaceflight, the Nehru Science Centre is hosting a week-long exhibition titled Gagarin to Gaganyaan

A Russian space odyssey: Attend this exhibition to learn more about Yuri Gagarin`s first mission

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Head to this rare photo exhibition at the Nehru Science Centre that captures cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin’s historic first journey into space

Embark on a Russian space odyssey through this exhibition in Mumbai to learn more about cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin

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