Which spacecraft carried the first dog into space? - briefly
The spacecraft that carried the first dog into space was named Sputnik 2. Launched by the Soviet Union on November 3, 1957, it successfully completed its mission with the dog Laika aboard.
Which spacecraft carried the first dog into space? - in detail
On November 3, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2, which carried the first living being into orbit—a dog named Laika. This mission was pivotal in demonstrating that life could survive in space, albeit briefly, and marked a significant step forward in space exploration. The spacecraft, designed by the Soviet team of Konstantin Feoktistov and Mikhail Tikhonravov, was a modified version of Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite launched into orbit just a month prior.
Sputnik 2, weighing around 508 kilograms, was equipped with advanced scientific instruments to monitor Laika's vital signs and transmit data back to Earth. The spacecraft consisted of two main sections: the pressurized cabin where Laika resided, and the instrument compartment containing telemetry equipment. Laika's life support system included a ventilation unit to maintain oxygen levels and regulate temperature within the cabin.
The mission was designed to test the effects of space travel on living organisms, with the ultimate goal of paving the way for human spaceflight. Despite the groundbreaking nature of the mission, Laika's fate was predetermined due to technological limitations of the time. The spacecraft did not have a mechanism for safe reentry, and Laika succumbed to stress and overheating within hours after launch.
Sputnik 2 continued to orbit Earth until April 1958, transmitting valuable data about the space environment and its impact on living organisms. The mission laid the foundation for future space biology experiments and was a crucial precursor to human spaceflight. The spacecraft's legacy serves as a reminder of the pioneering spirit in early space exploration and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of scientific advancement.