LAIKA FIRST DOG IN SPACE SPUTNIK 2

Laika, a small, mixed-breed dog from the streets of Moscow, became an unlikely pioneer in the history of space exploration. Launched aboard the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2 on November 3, 1957, she was the first living creature to orbit Earth, marking a significant milestone in the Space Race between the Soviet Union and the United States. Her mission, however, was as tragic as it was groundbreaking.Selected for her calm demeanor and small size, Laika was around three years old when Soviet scientists trained her for the mission. The dog was fitted into a cramped capsule with a harness, electrodes to monitor her vital signs, and a basic life-support system providing oxygen, food, and water. The technology of the time, however, did not allow for re-entry, meaning Laika’s journey was always intended to be one-way—a fact not widely publicized at the time.Sputnik 2 successfully reached orbit, proving that living organisms could survive the launch and weightlessness of space. Laika’s heart rate, initially spiked from stress, reportedly stabilized, though data was limited. Tragically, she likely died within hours due to overheating and stress as the spacecraft’s cooling system failed. The Soviet government initially claimed she survived for days, but the truth emerged decades later, sparking ethical debates about animal testing in science.Laika’s sacrifice paved the way for human spaceflight, demonstrating the feasibility of surviving launch and orbit. Her story captured global attention, inspiring both awe and sympathy. Memorials, including stamps, statues, and a plaque at the Moscow facility where she was trained, honor her legacy. Laika remains a symbol of courage and the complex moral questions surrounding scientific progress, her brief journey into space leaving an enduring mark on history. You Are Tuned Into VJay TV broadcasting from Canada and Seen Across the Known Universe