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Laika (c. 1954 – November 3, 1957) was a Soviet space dog who became the first animal to orbit the Earth. Laika was a stray dog from the streets of Moscow, selected to be the occupant of the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2 that was launched into outer space on November 3, 1957.

Background

Laika was one of several stray dogs that were taken into the Soviet space program. The Soviet scientists believed that stray dogs would be better suited to endure the extreme conditions of space travel, as they were accustomed to harsh environments. Laika was a small, mixed-breed dog, approximately 6 kg (13 lb) in weight, and was chosen for her calm demeanor and small size.

Mission

The mission of Sputnik 2 was to test the feasibility of sending a living organism into space and to gather data on the biological effects of space travel. Laika's mission was a precursor to human spaceflight, providing valuable data on how living organisms react to the conditions of space.

Preparation

Laika underwent extensive training and conditioning to prepare for her mission. This included confinement in small spaces, exposure to loud noises, and simulated acceleration forces. She was also trained to eat a special high-nutrition gel that would be her food during the mission.

Launch

Sputnik 2 was launched on November 3, 1957, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The spacecraft was equipped with life-support systems to keep Laika alive, including a limited oxygen supply and a temperature control system.

Outcome

Unfortunately, Laika's mission was a one-way trip. The technology to return a spacecraft from orbit had not yet been developed. Laika died a few hours after launch due to overheating, caused by a failure in the thermal control system. Her death sparked a global debate about the ethics of animal testing in space exploration.

Legacy

Laika's mission paved the way for human spaceflight and contributed to the understanding of the biological effects of space travel. Despite the tragic outcome, Laika is remembered as a pioneer in space exploration. In 2008, a monument to Laika was unveiled in Moscow, honoring her contribution to space science.

Also see

• Sputnik program
• Space exploration
• Animal testing in space
• Yuri Gagarin
• Vostok 1