Vostok 1 spacecraft
The Vostok 1 spacecraft carried Yuri Gagarin, the first human to orbit Earth, during his 1961 spaceflight.
Also known as: Vostok spacecraft, Vostok 3KA
How big is it?
4.4 m · overall spacecraft length
Overall spacecraft length · approximate
A little perspective
Vostok 1 spacecraft vs Kepler space telescope: length comparison
The overall observatory height of the Kepler space telescope is about 1.07 times the overall spacecraft length of the Vostok 1 spacecraft.
The Vostok 1 spacecraft carried Yuri Gagarin, the first human to orbit Earth, during his 1961 spaceflight.
The Kepler space telescope was a NASA observatory launched to detect planets around other stars by monitoring changes in their brightness.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. Horizontal rulers compare the selected spans; vertical brackets also identify height on the artwork.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Vostok 1 spacecraft
Overall spacecraft length: 4.4 m; approximate.
The Vostok 1 spacecraft was about 4.4 m long and 4,725 kg in its orbital configuration. The calibrated span includes the spherical descent module and instrument module, but not the launch vehicle.
The marked overall spacecraft length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Kepler space telescope
Overall observatory height: 4.7 m; specified; range 4.5 m–4.8 m.
NASA’s Kepler observatory was about 4.7 m high and had a launch mass of 1,052 kg. The height includes the deployed sunshade but not an imagined launch vehicle.
NASA — Kepler mission in depth
The marked overall observatory height is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 4.4 m
We compare the overall spacecraft length of the Vostok 1 spacecraft. This is an estimate; check the notes for its rounding and uncertainty.
The Vostok 1 spacecraft was about 4.4 m long and 4,725 kg in its orbital configuration. The calibrated span includes the spherical descent module and instrument module, but not the launch vehicle.
The marked vertical span follows the measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4 m | Not recorded | approximate | |
| 4.725 t | 4.7 t to 4.73 t | approximate |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valuePlanets, moons and spaceVoyager 1 spacecraft3.66 mApproximate dish-to-bus spanVoyager 1 is a NASA space probe launched in 1977 to study the outer planets and now travels through interstellar space.
Around the same scaleVehicles and transportFamily car4.5 mLengthA family car is a motor vehicle designed to carry several passengers and their belongings.
Nearest higher valuePlanets, moons and spaceKepler space telescope4.7 mOverall observatory heightThe Kepler space telescope was a NASA observatory launched to detect planets around other stars by monitoring changes in their brightness.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NASA NSSDCA — Vostok 1Vostok spacecraft cabin and service-module configuration with a recorded mission mass of 4,725 kg.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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Living thingsGiraffe5 mA giraffe is an African mammal distinguished by its extremely long neck and legs, feeding mainly on tree leaves.TransportFamily car4.5 mA family car is a motor vehicle designed to carry several passengers and their belongings.
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