50 Years Since First Manned Space Flight

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the first manned space flight, but NASA was not first in line. In fact the Soviet Union got there first when Yuri Gagarin left earth on April 12th, 1951. The evolution of launch vehicles continues with the Falcon Heavy, which is next in line for production from Space X. The launch vehicle will carry cargo from earth into low earth orbit and could even eventually carry crews. Tests will begin late next year. Also, don’t miss the Philadelphia Science Festival kicking off on April 16th with a huge science carnival on Logan Circle in Philadelphia. Listen to an interview with festival director Gerri Trooskin speaking with host Dave Heller and Derrick Pitts. Find out more about the extensive list of events during the festival at www.philasciencefestival.org.[audio: st20110411.mp3]