Which Animal Was First to Orbit the Earth?

In 1957, a dog became the first animal to orbit the Earth. The Soviet Union space program sent a stray dog named Laika into orbit on the satellite Sputnik II on 3 November 1957. Sputnik II orbited the Earth about 2,000 times before burning as it re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere on 4 April 1958. It initially was reported that Laika had survived aboard Sputnik II for a week, but in 2002, Dr. Dimitri Malashenkov of the Institute for Biological Problems in Moscow revealed that Laika died of overheating within hours of the launch. The launch of Laika aboard Sputnik II is thought to have made it possible for the first human, Soviet Yuri Gagarin, to enter space on 12 April 1961.

More about animals in space:

• The Soviets preferred to use stray dogs for their space experimentation because they claimed strays were heartier and more likely to survive cold temperatures.
• In 1947, the US first launched animals — fruit flies — into space to research the effects of radiation at high altitude.
• More than 30 monkeys have traveled into space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which animal was the first to orbit the Earth?

The first animal to orbit the Earth was a Soviet space dog named Laika. Laika's historic journey took place on November 3, 1957, aboard the spacecraft Sputnik 2. Although this mission paved the way for human spaceflight, it was a one-way trip for Laika, who did not survive the mission.

What species of dog was Laika, and why was she chosen?

Laika was a stray dog found on the streets of Moscow, and she was a mixed-breed, often described as part terrier. Stray dogs were chosen by Soviet scientists because they believed these animals had already learned to endure harsh conditions of hunger and cold temperatures, which made them suitable candidates for the rigors of space travel.

How long did Laika survive in orbit, and what led to her demise?

Laika survived a few hours in orbit before succumbing to heat and stress. Initially, Soviet officials claimed she lived for several days, but subsequent revelations indicated that the cabin overheated and Laika passed away much sooner. The exact duration of her survival is still a subject of some debate among researchers.

What was the scientific purpose of sending Laika into space?

The mission aimed to study the effects of space travel on living organisms and to gather data on the behavior and bodily functions of organisms in a weightless environment. Laika's journey provided essential information that contributed to the feasibility of human spaceflight, despite the ethical controversies surrounding the mission.

Did Laika's mission provide valuable data for future space missions?

Yes, Laika's mission offered crucial insights into how a living organism copes with the launch and the microgravity environment of space. According to historical records, the data from Laika's flight helped scientists understand the potential for humans to survive the conditions of space travel, ultimately leading to manned space expeditions.

Have there been any memorials or tributes to honor Laika?

Laika has been honored with several memorials and tributes over the years. One notable memorial is a statue in Moscow that was erected in 2008 near the military research facility that prepared Laika's flight. Her story has also been commemorated in various forms of media, including books, movies, and songs, recognizing her contribution to space exploration.