52 Years Ago: Dog Becomes First Creature Sent Into Space

laika_sputnik

By Anne Godlasky For USAToday

On Nov. 3, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2, a one-way, history-making trip for a dog named Laika.

Laika, a stray picked up off the streets of Moscow, became the first living creature to orbit the Earth.

Her heart rate soared and within hours — not days as the Soviet Union led the world to believe — she died of overheating and stress, the BBC reported in 2002 after new evidence was revealed at the World Space Congress.

Laika and two other dogs, Albina and Mushka, underwent training prior to launch, including high-altitude flights and being kept in smaller and smaller cages. Laika was not just her name, but also what Russians called a northern breed known for their endurance. The “laikas” are also known as Karelian Bear Dogs, according to the American Kennel Club, and remains one of the most popular breeds in Finland, where it originated.

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Lisa
Lisa
14 years ago

I dont like it. The dog suffered.

Jill
14 years ago

I love Laika after discovering her story in this graphic novel titled Laika that I reviewed here:
http://historyforchildren.blogspot.com/2009/09/

Laika deserves to be remembered by the next generation, and the next. This is one of the reasons I have chosen to read and review history books that would interest children. I also recommend a couple of other great dog stories. One is about FDR's dog Fala and I especially love the one about George Washington (a big dog lover) who found the opposing general's dog after a battle. Can you guess what he did with his enemy's dog? Here is the link:
http://historyforchildren.blogspot.com/2009/05/

Jill
14 years ago

I love Laika after discovering her story in this graphic novel titled Laika that I reviewed here:
http://historyforchildren.blogspot.com/2009/09/

Laika deserves to be remembered by the next generation, and the next. This is one of the reasons I have chosen to read and review history books that would interest children. I also recommend a couple of other great dog stories. One is about FDR's dog Fala and I especially love the one about George Washington (a big dog lover) who found the opposing general's dog after a battle. Can you guess what he did with his enemy's dog? Here is the link:
http://historyforchildren.blogspot.com/2009/05/

Spottsmum4ever
Spottsmum4ever
13 years ago

you wouldn’t leave a dog in a car in summer so why do this. she died of overheating and stress. stupid and cruel.

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