Claude Nicollier

“When I look at pictures of Yuri Gagarin, before and after his flight, I am really impressed by the visibly strong personality and courage of this 27-year-old man.

"Life was not easy in his childhood, but he had the passion for flying machines and the drive for achievement, and demonstrated uncommon will and talent in so many disciplines relevant to space travel that he was the natural choice for opening this new frontier.

"Gagarin is a tremendous source of inspiration for all cosmonauts and astronauts today. He is an extraordinary role model for young men and women, and will always remain so for future generations…”