Episode 44: 15th May 2011: First Orbit and Manchester’s Yuri Gagarin Exhibition

Another Yuri Gagarin episode, I know the anniversary of the world’s
first spaceflight is over but there is still lots going on over the
next few months. There are two contributors in this episode, Chris
Riley and Richard Evans. One of the most successful projects to
mark the anniversary is the film First Orbit. The only camera
aboard Vostok 1 was on the inside, transmitting live pictures of
Gagarin’s face to the nervous engineers who anxiously monitored
mankind’s first experience of spaceflight. First Orbit is a
remarkably accurate recreation of what Gagarin would have seen
compiled from high definition video shot from the space station.
Astonishingly, this undertaking of international proportions, was
put together by numerous unpaid volunteers and almost three million
who have seen it, saw it for free.  It is still available for
viewing online and for download – still free. If you want to make a
contribution and have a smart phone (Android or Iphone) the First
Orbit app will set you back about 70 pence. First Orbit was
produced and directed by Chris Riley along with many other
volunteers. Chances are you have already seen the film. Also
available from firstorbit.org website is a short but 
facinating video about the making of First Orbit.  Chris Riley
talks about his next project “Orbit” but begins with how the idea
of First Orbit came about. Yuri Gagarin was in Britain for 5 days;
he spent the second one, Wednesday 12th July 1961, in
Manchester.  A major in the Soviet Air Force, he started off
his career as a foundryman.  During his six hours in the city,
he visited the headquarters of the Amalgamated Union of Foundry
Workers in Old Trafford, the Metropolitan Vickers Engineering plant
in Trafford Park and concluded with a civic reception in Manchester
Town Hall. The only event in Manchester to mark the anniversary of
Yuri Gagarin's visit is an exhibition at the Waterside Arts Centre
in Sale running through until 17th August 2011. The exhibition and
program of events have been driven by the science fiction author
Richard Evans. He talks about the exhibition but starts with his
current writing project. ________________________ Today’s quote is
from Yuri Gagarin asserting his working class roots during his
Manchester visit. “Although I am doing a different job now, I am
still a foundry worker at heart”
http://www.firstorbit.org/how-we-made-the-film