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Laika's Cosmos
Laika's Cosmos
S
A Dream of Space
In the late 1950s, humanity dreamt of reaching for the stars. The Space Race, a
competition between the United States and the Soviet Union, was heating up.
But before humans could venture into the unknown, a brave pioneer had to pave the way
– Laika, the first living being in space.
A Street Dog with a Space Mission
Laika wasn't your typical astronaut. She was a stray dog found
wandering the streets of Moscow.
With her mixed-breed background, perhaps containing some husky or
terrier, she possessed the resilience needed for this extraordinary
mission.
Training for the
Unknown
Space travel presented a whole
new world of challenges.
Laika underwent rigorous
training.
She spun in centrifuges to get
used to high G-forces,
experienced simulated low
gravity environments, and
familiarized herself with the
cramped confines of the
Sputnik 2 capsule.
Sputnik 2: A One-
Way Ticket
Sputnik 2, the Soviet spacecraft designed
to carry Laika, was far from luxurious.
Life support systems were limited,
offering only basic sustenance for the
short journey.
Liftoff and a
Uncertain Journey
On November 3rd, 1957, a powerful
rocket launched Sputnik 2 into the
cosmos.
Laika's heart rate and breathing were
initially transmitted back to Earth,
offering a glimmer of hope. But what
followed would be a story of sacrifice.
A Hero's Fate