Everyone knows that Yuri Gagarin was the first human in space, and he returned as a hero. But before humans took the plunge, a dog named Laika made history by venturing into the cosmos. She drifted through space for 63 years. What happened to her?
In 1957, after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, scientists were eager to see how animals would fare in space. They wondered if animals would experience space like they do on Earth. With these questions in mind, they decided to send an animal into space. Around this time, a stray mother dog was wandering the streets, not knowing her puppies would become part of an extraordinary mission.
Why did the scientists choose a stray dog over a pet dog?
Scientists believed that stray dogs had tougher minds and stronger bodies due to their harsh living conditions and constant struggle for food. They figured strays would be easier and cheaper to train.
Laika was small and gentle, making her very cooperative during training. She quickly stood out and was chosen by the scientists. They took her in, gave her the best care, and soon after, she was prepped for her space journey. Laika's incredible adventure was about to begin.
In November 1957, Laika was placed in a tiny satellite filled with sensors to monitor her vital signs as she entered space.
But here's the heartbreaking part: they only packed enough food for a week, including a final meal laced with poison. Why poison such a brave dog?
The mission had no return plan. With no way to bring Laika back and knowing the harsh conditions of space, scientists decided to end her life peacefully, sparing her further suffering. It seemed like the kindest option under the circumstances.
The Soviet Union announced the mission's success, but many wondered: what if Laika hadn't eaten the poisoned food? What if they'd planned for her return? Could she have come back safely?
The harsh reality is that Laika didn't survive a week. She died not from poison but from the satellite's poor insulation, which caused it to overheat and run out of oxygen. Data showed her pulse tripled after launch, then gradually slowed. After five hours, her vital signs ceased. Laika endured great pain in her final moments.
To honor her sacrifice, a postage stamp was created featuring Laika, commemorating her contribution to science.
Today, Laika has been floating in space for over 60 years. Her sacrifice paved the way for future space animals, who benefited from improved designs including return capsules and better life-support systems. Each advancement in space research owes a debt to Laika, the brave stray dog who ventured into the unknown.
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