What happened to the dog Laika? - briefly
The dog Laika was sent into space on November 3, 1957, aboard Sputnik 2 as part of the Soviet space program. Unfortunately, she died several hours after launch due to overheating and stress.
What happened to the dog Laika? - in detail
On November 3, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2, carrying the first living being into orbit—a small mongrel named Laika. The mission was designed to test the effects of spaceflight on a living organism and gather data for future human space travel. Here is a detailed account of what happened to Laika:
Laika was chosen from several stray dogs due to her calm demeanor and ability to withstand stressful conditions during pre-flight tests. She was fitted with sensors to monitor her vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. The spacecraft was designed to maintain a comfortable temperature for Laika, but the complexity of the mission meant that there were no plans to retrieve her alive due to technological limitations at the time.
The launch was successful, and Laika entered orbit around Earth. Initially, data transmitted from Sputnik 2 indicated that Laika's vital signs were normal. However, as the days passed, the stress of spaceflight began to take its toll. The spacecraft experienced significant temperature fluctuations, which affected Laika's well-being. After several orbits, her heart rate increased dramatically, and she became agitated.
The mission was planned to last for 10 days, but due to the challenges faced by Laika, it was decided that she should be humanely euthanized after approximately seven hours in space. This decision was made to end her suffering and prevent further distress. The Soviets used a poisoned meal to sedate and eventually euthanize Laika, ensuring her death was as peaceful as possible under the circumstances.
Sputnik 2 continued its orbit for several days after Laika's death, transmitting valuable data about the effects of spaceflight on a living organism. The spacecraft re-entered Earth's atmosphere and burned up on April 14, 1958, five months after its launch.
Laika's sacrifice played a crucial role in advancing Soviet space research and paved the way for future missions involving both animals and humans. Her story remains a poignant reminder of the early challenges faced by pioneers in space exploration and the vital contributions made by animal subjects in this endeavor.