Hey there, space curious folks! Have you ever wondered what, or rather who, bravely ventured beyond Earth’s atmosphere before humans did? We’re talking about a pioneer, a trailblazer, with fur and four paws!
Well, prepare to meet the undisputed champion of early space travel: Laika, a Soviet dog who became the first living creature, besides microbes, to orbit the Earth!
Laika, a stray found on the streets of Moscow, was launched aboard the Soviet Sputnik 2 spacecraft on November 3, 1957. This mission was a monumental step in the space race, aimed at studying how living organisms reacted to the harsh environment of space.
Unfortunately, the technology at the time didn’t allow for a safe return. Laika tragically perished due to overheating just hours after launch, much sooner than anticipated. Her mission, while groundbreaking, sparked significant ethical debates about animal testing in space.
Despite her sad fate, Laika’s sacrifice provided invaluable data, paving the way for human spaceflight. Her bravery continues to be remembered and honored as a symbol of early space exploration.