Famous Space Missions Part 5: Sputnik 2 and the first living thing in space.

Sputnik 2, launched by the Soviet Union on November 3, 1957, was the second spacecraft to be sent into space and the first to carry a living creature. The mission's passenger was Laika, a stray dog from the streets of Moscow, who became the first living being to orbit the Earth. While the mission was a significant step forward in space exploration, it also raised ethical questions about the treatment of animals in scientific research.

The launch of Sputnik 2 came just a month after the successful launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth. The Soviet Union, eager to build on this achievement and demonstrate its technological superiority during the Cold War, hastily prepared Sputnik 2 for launch. The spacecraft was equipped with life support systems to keep Laika alive during the mission, including a cabin with a controlled environment, food, and water. However, due to the tight timeline, the spacecraft was not designed for a safe return, meaning Laika's journey would be one-way.

(Wikipedia Contributors)

Laika was chosen for the mission because of her small size and calm temperament, qualities that were deemed essential for surviving the stresses of space travel. Before the flight, Laika underwent extensive training, including being confined to small spaces, exposure to loud noises, and centrifuge tests to simulate the conditions of launch and weightlessness. Despite the challenges, Laika adapted well to the rigorous training and was selected as the sole passenger for Sputnik 2.

On November 3, 1957, Sputnik 2 was launched into orbit. Laika's journey was monitored by Soviet scientists, who observed her vital signs and behavior through telemetry systems. Initially, Laika appeared to cope well with the stress of the launch, but within hours, the spacecraft's temperature control system failed, causing the cabin to overheat. Tragically, Laika died a few hours into the flight due to the extreme heat.

(Wikipedia Contributors)

Despite the unfortunate outcome, Sputnik 2 was a groundbreaking mission that provided valuable data on the effects of space travel on living organisms. The mission demonstrated that a living creature could survive the launch and experience weightlessness, paving the way for future manned spaceflights. Laika's sacrifice also highlighted the ethical dilemmas associated with using animals in space research, leading to changes in how such missions were conducted in the future.

Sputnik 2's legacy is complex. While it marked a significant achievement in space exploration, it also serves as a reminder of the moral considerations that must be taken into account when pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. Laika's journey remains a poignant chapter in the history of space exploration, symbolizing both the triumphs and the challenges of humanity's quest to explore the cosmos.