On this day 43 years ago, Yuri Gagarin became the first man to orbit the earth aboard Vostok 1.
On this day 23 years ago, the first Space Shuttle flight STS-1, utilizing the orbiter Columbia, launched John Young and Bob Crippen into space.
Today, as part of the celebrations in Russia, President Putin called for the demilitarization of outer space. I can think of no better way to honor the memory of these achievements than for the United States to accept the proposal to demilitarize space for all time.
+ Yuri's Night Celebrations Worldwide
+ Yuri's Night - Seattle (I will be there!)
I think so long as both countries look at space for peiceful ends that there will never be a problem with the use of Satelites but when the first real weapon is there, now then that will open up a whole new cold war. This one will be in outer space rather than around Berlin.
Posted by: Harold LaValley at April 12, 2026 06:46 PMDe-militarization of space is a good "ideal" but an unrealistic one. Every medium man has ever conquered has been used in war; the land, on and under the sea, the air and eventually space. It will happen, I only hope free people are prepared to defend space from tyrants.
Posted by: Dogsbd at April 14, 2026 08:33 AMFrom the side bar today the next ISS crew hoised up there own respective flags. I went to the link and saw what I think would make a great International space Flag. I think all the international partners should advocate such a process to make space for all nations with pieceful intent recognized as if it were the new UN but of space. Since the UN is here in America then lets make the International Space Exploration union in Russian for all space faring nations to join.
Posted by: Harold LaValley at April 15, 2026 09:40 AMA "Space UN" would be a nice symbol, but would likely be no more effective than the current Earth bound version.
Posted by: Dogsbd at April 16, 2026 08:49 AMBut it might be more effective than a partnership.
Posted by: Harold LaValley at April 16, 2026 09:00 AM