The first living-creature in space. The Russian dog named Laika. |
Scientists had been experimenting with rockets for years. Most of the early rockets were not powerful enough to blast into obit. That soon changed.
Sputnik II was the first human-made satellite to orbit the earth. The Soviet Union blasted it into orbit on October 4, 1957. One month later the Soviets sent up Sputnik II with the first living creature aboard a space craft. Laika the Dog was the first living thing ever to journey out into space. As she orbited the earth, she made history. Unfortunately, there was no return trip for Sputnik II or for Laika. Hers, though, was the bark heard 'round the world. The race for space was on! The next stop would be the moon. |
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