Animals in Space

In 1957, a Soviet dog named Laika became the first living creature to orbit the Earth.
Corbis / Bettmann

The First
In 1957, a Soviet dog named Laika became the first living creature to orbit the Earth. Originally a stray, Laika was selected over two other trainees. Though she died a few hours after launch, her trip proved that a living passenger could survive being launched into orbit and endure weightlessness.

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