Leo Tolstoy

Posted on September 9, 2014 by P Hodkinson

Google’s animated doodle today celebrates the birthday of another great Russian – Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy also known as Leo Tolstoy. He was a Russian writer, philosopher and political thinker who primarily wrote novels and short stories and is widely … Continue reading →

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First woman in space

Posted on June 16, 2014 by P Hodkinson

TRUE STORY – on June 16, 1963 the Vostok series ended as it had begun, with yet another historic achievement for Russia. Vostok 6 carried 25-year-old Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman ever to travel in space. She had been selected … Continue reading →

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How to drop-in on the party

Posted on April 9, 2014 by P Hodkinson

Thinking of how you might make a grand entrance at this years Yuri’s Night party? Could go for the Ivan Ivanisovich drop from above. Yuri and his fellow cosmonauts took to dropping down elevator shafts onto cushions in an attempt … Continue reading →

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Launch & orbital phase

Posted on March 29, 2014 by P Hodkinson

Two hours before take-off, the selected cosmonaut ascended to the top of the gantry in an elevator and climbed into the crew capsule through a round hatchway. Pad technicians then sealed the hatch into place with 36 explosive bolts. These … Continue reading →

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Ivan Ivanisovich

Posted on March 25, 2014 by P Hodkinson

TRUE STORY – in March 1961 a mannequin called ‘Ivan Ivanovich’ was used to test Vostok and its ejection seat before the manned flights began. Witnesses on the ground thought that ‘Ivan’ was a real cosmonaut after he/it landed. Continue reading →

Posted in Making a Graphic Novel, The Cold War, The Space Race | Leave a comment