What were the names of the dogs Belka and Strelka before the flight? - briefly
Before their historic space flight, the dogs known as Belka and Strelka were originally named Malyshka and Zhulbarnaya, respectively. These names were changed prior to their mission to enhance the public's familiarity and enthusiasm for the space program.
What were the names of the dogs Belka and Strelka before the flight? - in detail
The dogs Belka and Strelka are renowned for their historic space mission aboard the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 5, which launched on August 19, 1960. This mission was a significant milestone in space exploration, as it demonstrated the feasibility of human spaceflight by successfully returning live animals from orbit. However, the names Belka and Strelka were not their original names. These names were given to them specifically for the mission to enhance their public appeal and to symbolize their roles as pioneers in space travel.
Before the mission, the dogs had different names that were more mundane and typical for Soviet street dogs. The dog later known as Belka was originally named Malyshka, which translates to "Little Girl" in English. This name reflected her small size and youthful appearance. The other dog, Strelka, was originally named Zhuchka, which means "Little Beetle." These names were chosen by the scientists and trainers who selected the dogs for the space program.
The selection process for the dogs was rigorous and involved extensive training and testing to ensure their suitability for space travel. The dogs were chosen from a group of stray dogs because strays were believed to be more resilient and better adapted to harsh conditions. After being selected, the dogs underwent a series of medical examinations and training sessions to prepare them for the mission. During this period, their names were changed to Belka and Strelka to align with the mission's objectives and to create a more memorable and marketable image for the Soviet space program.
The mission of Sputnik 5 was a resounding success, as Belka and Strelka, along with other animals and biological specimens, were safely returned to Earth after a single orbit. Their successful return paved the way for future human spaceflight and demonstrated the Soviet Union's technological prowess in space exploration. The names Belka and Strelka became synonymous with this historic achievement, and the dogs themselves became symbols of Soviet scientific and technological advancement.
In summary, the dogs Belka and Strelka, who gained fame for their space mission, were originally named Malyshka and Zhuchka, respectively. Their names were changed to more fitting and memorable ones in preparation for their historic flight, which significantly contributed to the progress of space exploration.