Laika's Tragic Voyage: The First Animal in Space and Her Ultimate Sacrifice

In a poignant chapter of the Space Race, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2 on November 3, 1957, carrying Laika, a small mongrel, into orbit. This mission marked a monumental achievement as Laika became the first living creature to journey beyond Earth's atmosphere. However, the triumph was overshadowed by the mission's inherent tragedy: Laika was sent on a one-way trip, with no plan for her return.

Key Takeaways

• Laika, a Moscow street dog, was chosen for her resilience and calm temperament.
• The mission was a response to the West's reaction to Sputnik 1, with a tight deadline for launch.
• Sputnik 2 was not equipped for a safe return, meaning Laika's fate was sealed before launch.
• She likely died from overheating within hours of launch, though initial reports claimed she survived for days.

The Genesis of a One-Way Mission

The launch of Sputnik 1 in October 1957 sent shockwaves across the globe, prompting the Soviet Union to quickly follow up with another mission. Premier Nikita Khrushchev pushed for a second Sputnik launch within a month, leading to the decision to send a living creature into orbit to study the effects of spaceflight. The chosen vessel, Sputnik 2, was designed for a swift orbital journey but lacked the technology for a safe re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. This meant the canine passenger would not survive the mission.

Selecting and Training Laika

Soviet recruiters scoured the streets of Moscow for suitable candidates, seeking dogs that were hardy and adaptable. Among them was a small, mixed-breed dog initially named Kudryavka, meaning "Little Curly." She was later renamed Laika, "Barker," due to her vocal nature. Described as "quiet and charming" by the mission's lead physician, Vladimir Yazdovsky, Laika possessed a gentle disposition. An understudy, Albina, was also trained in case Laika proved unsuitable.

The training regimen was rigorous. The dogs were subjected to extreme conditions, including confinement in increasingly small cages, exposure to loud noises, and simulated G-forces in centrifuges. They were also fitted with sensors to monitor their vital signs, and a sanitation device was attached to their hindquarters. Yazdovsky reportedly spent time with Laika at his home before the launch, wanting to offer her some comfort in her final days.

A Tragic Orbit

On November 3, 1957, Sputnik 2, with Laika aboard, ascended from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The immense G-forces during lift-off caused Laika significant distress, with her heart rate tripling and breathing rate quadrupling. Tragically, the satellite's thermal control system malfunctioned shortly after reaching orbit, causing the internal temperature to soar to 40 degrees Celsius. For many years, Soviet officials maintained that Laika survived for several days. However, in 2002, Russian scientists revealed that all signs of life ceased approximately seven hours into the flight, likely due to overheating and stress. Laika's body remained in orbit aboard Sputnik 2 for five months before the satellite eventually burned up upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.

Laika's story resonated globally, becoming a symbol of both scientific ambition and animal sacrifice. Her image appeared on postcards, stamps, and even chocolates. Yet, her legacy is indelibly marked by the image of a lone dog, trapped in the vastness of space, succumbing to the harsh realities of early space exploration. Oleg Gazenko, Laika's trainer, later expressed deep regret, stating, "The more time passes, the more I'm sorry about it. We didn't learn enough from the mission to justify the death of a dog."

Sources

• The tragic story of the first animal in space, The Sydney Morning Herald.
• The tragic story of the first animal in space, The Age.