November three, 1957. Sputnik 2 is launched into space.

It’s brave, lone traveler? A small, unassuming dog.

Laika was found as a street puppy by Russian scientists working in the space race to send the first living passenger into space. She is believed to be a mix of husky and some form of spitz, and she was rather small.

Scientists would train a multitude of dogs to go into space, on a trip that they knew would not be survivable. These dogs, including Laika, would need to do well under pressure, not be too scared of loud noises, and cooperate with devices in the shuttle. There was another dog, Albina, who would have gone, but the scientists favored Albina and sent Laika instead. On the day of the launch, Laika panicked during takeoff with an extremely increased heart rate and breath rate. She eventually died as a result of the spacecraft overheating. It is a truly tragic story – and it becomes even harder when you think of it from her perspective – scared and confused, with nothing but the noise of the machines to comfort you.    

Although the circumstances were sad, Laika did end up being the first living critter to be sent to space, even if she didn’t last long. This was a huge accomplishment for the space race in favor of Russia. The successful launch had a huge influence on pop culture. Everyone loved Laika, and several music groups and stories were named in her honor. Laika’s story is one of tragedy, cruelty, and hope. The worldwide appreciation for this courageous little mutt is truly heartwarming – while Laika may have passed away among the stars, she still lives in the hearts of space and dog enthusiasts alike.

SOURCES

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/sad-story-laika-space-dog-and-her-one-way-trip-orbit-1-180968728/

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Laika