The Soviet Union’s Space Race

The Space Race was a competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to be the first to explore space. This race was a critical part of the Cold War. The Soviet Union achieved many firsts in space, including the launch of the first artificial satellite in 1957.

The First Living Being in Space

The Soviet Union’s decision to launch a living being into space was a significant milestone in the history of space exploration. Sputnik 2 was the second spacecraft launched by the Soviet Union and carried the first living being, a dog named Laika, into orbit.

The Selection of Laika

The Soviet Union chose Laika, a stray dog, as the first living being to be launched into space due to her small size, docile temperament, and ability to withstand extreme conditions. Laika was quickly trained to withstand high g-forces, noise, and confinement in a small space.

The Mission of Sputnik 2

Sputnik 2 was designed to test the effects of space travel on a living being. The spacecraft was equipped with life support systems, a food and water supply, and instruments to monitor Laika’s vital signs.

Laika’s Training and Preparation

The Soviet scientists trained Laika for several months for the space mission. She was trained to endure long periods of inactivity, eat a special diet, and to be confined to a small cage. Laika was also fitted with a spacesuit that monitored her vital signs.

The Launch of Sputnik 2

On November 3, 1957, Sputnik 2 was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launch was successful, and Laika became the first living being to orbit the earth.

Laika’s Life in Orbit

Laika was in orbit for about six hours, during which she became the first animal to experience zero-gravity conditions. The spacecraft’s life support system malfunctioned, causing the temperature inside the cabin to rise quickly, leading to Laika’s death.

The Tragic Fate of Laika

Laika’s death sparked international outrage, as many felt that the Soviet Union had unnecessarily sacrificed her life. The Soviet government maintained that Laika’s sacrifice was necessary for the advancement of space exploration.

Legacy of Laika’s Mission

Laika’s mission was a significant milestone in the history of space exploration. Her sacrifice paved the way for future human spaceflight and helped scientists understand the effects of space travel on living beings.

Why a Dog and which Breed was Laika?

The Soviet Union chose a dog for the mission because they were believed to be able to endure extreme conditions better than other animals. Laika was a mixed breed, weighing approximately 13 pounds, and was about three years old at the time of her mission.