A Stray Turned Cosmonaut
Laika, a stray husky-spitz mix from Moscow, became the first living creature to orbit Earth aboard Sputnik 2 on November 3, 1957. Selected for her calm demeanor, she underwent rigorous training, including confinement in pressurized capsules and exposure to launch conditions.
A One-Way Journey
Soviet engineers, working under tight deadlines, designed Sputnik 2 knowing Laika would not return. Initial claims suggested she survived for days, but in 1993 it was revealed she died within hours due to overheating. Her flight proved living beings could endure space, paving the way for human spaceflight.
Cultural Impact
Laika’s story captured global attention. While her mission was controversial, she inspired countless tributes, including songs, books, and memorials. In 2015, Russia unveiled a statue honoring her. Her legacy lives on in stamps, pins, and even Martian landmarks unofficially named after her.
Space Pioneers
Laika was not the first Soviet space dog, but her sacrifice marked a milestone in space exploration. Later missions ensured canine cosmonauts like Belka and Strelka returned safely, further advancing humanity’s understanding of space travel.
Laika, a stray husky-spitz mix from Moscow, became the first living creature to orbit Earth aboard Sputnik 2 on November 3, 1957. Her mission was groundbreaking yet tragic, as it was a one-way trip that ended shortly after launch due to overheating in the capsule.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/u6rO0TWU7Y
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