What happened to the dog astronaut who didn't return from space? - briefly
The dog astronaut, Laika, did not return from space because the Soviet Union's Sputnik 2 mission was designed as a one-way trip due to technological limitations at the time. Laika died within hours of launch, likely from overheating and stress.
What happened to the dog astronaut who didn't return from space? - in detail
The dog astronaut in question was Laika, a stray mongrel from Moscow, who became an unwitting pioneer in the Soviet Union's space program. Selected for her docile nature and adaptability, Laika was launched into orbit aboard Sputnik 2 on November 3, 1957, making her the first living being to enter Earth orbit. The mission aimed to study the effects of space travel on a living organism, but it was also driven by political motivations amidst the Space Race with the United States.
Sputnik 2 was designed as a one-way trip for Laika due to technological limitations at the time, which made it impossible to safely return her to Earth. The spacecraft's life support systems were expected to last only a few days, and even if they had functioned longer, there was no way to bring Laika back alive. She survived in space for approximately seven days before succumbing to heat and stress, likely on November 10, 1957.
The Soviet Union initially withheld the full details of Laika's fate, claiming that she had been euthanized to prevent suffering from her inevitable demise. It was not until decades later that the true circumstances surrounding her death were revealed, thanks in part to research and interviews conducted by space historian Dirk Pittelkow. The revelation sparked controversy and criticism, as many considered Laika's sacrifice both unnecessary and cruel.
Despite the tragic outcome of Sputnik 2, the mission provided valuable data on the physiological effects of space travel on a living organism. Laika's journey also paved the way for future space exploration and the eventual development of reusable spacecraft capable of safely returning their occupants to Earth. In 2008, a monument was erected in Moscow to honor Laika, symbolizing her enduring legacy as a pioneer in space science and exploration.