Russia: Drone captures Yuri Gagarin monument ahead of spaceflight anniversary

Aerial drone footage shot in Moscow, Friday, offers a brand new perspective on the enormous monument dedicated to the legendary Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, ahead of the 64th anniversary of his historic trip into space. Gagarin was the first human to travel into outer space, completing an orbit around the earth in the Vostok spacecraft on April 12, 1961. Designed by sculptor Pavei Bondarenko, the monument was first unveiled in Moscow on July 4, 1980. It is made of titanium, has a total height of 42.5 metres (139 feet) and weighs 12 tonnes (26455.5lbs). Part of the Vostok spacecraft which Gagarin completed his orbit of the earth in is situated at the foot of the statue. The monument to Gagarin was the world's first large-size monument made of titanium.