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First animal in space: Laika the Soviet space dog
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First animal in space: Laika the Soviet space dog
A technician prepares Laika, the bitch who became the first animal in space, for her launch aboard Sputnik 2 on November 3, 1957. Sputnik 2 weighed 500 kilos and contained a sealed cabin for Laika with a food store, an air conditioner and apparatus for recording her pulse, respiration, blood pressure & hearbeat. The spacecraft was not designed to be recovered, and Laika died in space. Soviet propaganda at the time maintained that she survived for about a week, but in fact she died after just a few hours due to overheating and panic
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6456159
© RIA NOVOSTI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Animal Experiment Flight Laika Manned Spaceflight Program Programme Propaganda Russian Soviet Space Dog Space Experiment Sputnik 2
EDITORS COMMENTS
This powerful print captures a poignant moment in history, showcasing the preparation of Laika, the brave Soviet space dog who became the first animal to venture into outer space. Taken on November 3,1957, it depicts a technician diligently getting Laika ready for her historic launch aboard Sputnik 2. Sputnik 2 was an impressive spacecraft weighing 500 kilos and equipped with a sealed cabin specifically designed for Laika's journey. Inside this cabin were essential provisions such as food stores, an air conditioner, and advanced apparatus to monitor her vital signs including pulse rate, respiration, blood pressure, and heartbeat. However, this mission was not intended for recovery. Tragically, despite Soviet propaganda claiming otherwise at the time, Laika succumbed to overheating and panic just hours after liftoff. Her sacrifice paved the way for future advancements in manned spaceflight. This image serves as a stark reminder of both scientific progress and ethical considerations surrounding animal experimentation during that era. It symbolizes humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge while also prompting reflection on our responsibility towards other living beings. As we look upon this photograph from Science Photo Library today, let us remember Laika's contribution to space exploration while acknowledging the importance of compassion and empathy in all scientific endeavors.
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