60 years ago today, a Soviet street dog became the first animal to orbit Earth

in #science6 years ago

From Popular Science


Growing up on the streets of Moscow, I could only look to the heavens and wonder. To be the first in space is an accomplishment I never dreamed about. I do this in the name of the motherland. In the name of Comrade Lenin...Comrade Khrushchev...in the name of the party… And, in the name of sausage. I am Laika.

This isn’t a happy story. But it’s my story. And, there’s little time to tell it.
From three dogs — Albina, Mushka, myself — I was selected for this mission.

What set me apart? My ability to withstand the centrifuge tests, my superior aptitude to sit and eat and go to the bathroom in a small cabin and even smaller spacesuit. Also, Albina just had a litter of puppies.

But the mission was rushed. After the glorious launch of Sputnik-1, Comrade Khrushchev wanted another success to commemorate the 40th anniversary of our triumphant Bolshevik Revolution. But that gave us only a month. The temperature control system was hastily designed. And... there was no time for a recovery plan to bring me home.
When Sputnik-1 launched, its signal was heard around the world. On Sputnik-2, the signal of my heartbeat is only heard by Soviet scientists.

During the launch, the telemetric sensors said my heart rate was three times as fast. The g-forces caused my respiratory rate to increase five fold. Then, my heart slowed. In zero gravity—in space—my breathing is slower and deeper.

I am alive!

Read more: https://www.popsci.com/laika-sputnik-2-video

Will they send some poor animal to mars ahead of a human too?

Leave your thoughts in the comments below.


Follow @contentjunkie to stay up to date on more great posts like this one.

Sort:  

That is a great victory of our humans and proud moment for us. Laika live in our history and memories as a first traveller to space. Russia makes it possible by their effort and mission.

This Dog Video And Your Info Is Very Good For All.

To answer your question I doubt they will use an animal! They will probably pay some people to be the first on mars. (Actually I think there is already talk of that.

It is good video sir.thanks

very much important blog

This is an achievement for all good doggos to aspire toward...

Woof!

This post has received a 27.88 % upvote from @buildawhale thanks to: @contentjunkie. Send at least 1 SBD to @buildawhale with a post link in the memo field for a portion of the next vote.

To support our daily curation initiative, please vote on my owner, @themarkymark, as a Steem Witness

This post has received a 42.86 % upvote from @booster thanks to: @contentjunkie.

A good sausage would get me into space too

Coin Marketplace

STEEM 0.30
TRX 0.12
JST 0.033
BTC 63955.40
ETH 3139.68
USDT 1.00
SBD 3.87