1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Dogs

Laika - Dog of Outer Space

From , former About.com Guide

On October 4th, 1957, the U.S.S.R launched the Space Age with Sputnik 1. This spherical object was outfitted with two radio transmitters and at 23 inches in diameter, weighed a whopping (for it's size) 183 pounds (83.6 KG).

Thirty days after the launch of Sputnik 1, on November 3rd, 1957, the U.S.S.R shocked the world with Sputnik 2. What was so shocking? Sputnik 2's passenger.

Sputnik 2 carried the first ever living being to be launched into space. Laika, a small, mixed breed dog, was loaded into the satellite and hooked up to all kinds of life-support systems and monitoring devices. She orbitted the Earth for 10 days before she was put to sleep. No provisions had been made for a safe re-entry unfortunately.

Laika was a space pioneer, and is still remembered today, almost fifty years later. Way to go Laika!!

Explore Dogs

About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Make Your Own Scented Pine Cones

Bring a little of the fall season in your home with this easy-to-make craft. More >

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Dogs
  4. You and Your Dog
  5. For Dog Lovers
  6. Stories and Tails
  7. Laika the Space Dog

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.