There weren't any astronauts until I was about 10. Yuri Gagarin went into space right around my 10th birthday.

In this quote, John L. Phillips reflects on the timeline of human space exploration, specifically noting that astronauts didn't exist as a profession until he was about 10 years old. The mention of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to journey into space, highlights a significant turning point in history. Gagarin’s flight in 1961, which occurred around Phillips's 10th birthday, marked the beginning of an era that would later inspire countless people to pursue careers in space exploration.

Phillips's reference to Yuri Gagarin is particularly important because Gagarin’s achievement was a monumental milestone in the Space Race during the Cold War. His orbital flight was not just a national triumph for the Soviet Union, but a global event that captured the world's imagination and introduced the idea of human space travel as a tangible reality. This event would go on to influence the lives and careers of many who grew up during that time.

The quote also subtly touches on the impact of space exploration on younger generations. Phillips, in particular, seems to suggest that his childhood was deeply shaped by the advent of astronauts and their missions. As a young boy witnessing these historic moments, he became part of the first generation to imagine that space exploration was within reach.

In essence, this quote reflects not only Phillips's personal connection to the space race but also serves as a reminder of how Yuri Gagarin’s flight transformed the perception of space and ignited the imaginations of countless future astronauts, including Phillips himself.