Laika: The first living creature to orbit Earth

On November 3, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2, making Laika, a stray dog from Moscow, the first living being to orbit the Earth. The mission was conducted during the height of the Space Race, following the successful launch of Sputnik 1.

Laika was selected from Moscow street dogs because researchers believed their experience with extreme cold and hunger would help them endure spaceflight. She was chosen for her small size, calm temperament, and ability to adapt to training in confined spaces.

Although Soviet authorities initially claimed Laika survived for several days in orbit, it was later revealed that the mission was a one-way trip with no return mechanism. Scientific data released decades later, including findings from 2002, confirmed that Laika died within hours of launch due to overheating and stress caused by a failure in the thermal control system.