Laika (space dog)

Laika was a Russian dog who became the first living creature to orbit Earth in 1957, aboard Sputnik 2. As part of the early space race, she helped researchers understand how a living organism responds to space travel conditions, such as weightlessness and radiation. Laika's journey marked a significant milestone in human space exploration, demonstrating that living beings could survive the stresses of spaceflight. Sadly, Laika did not survive the mission, but her sacrifice paved the way for future human spaceflight and the eventual safe return of astronauts. Her story remains a symbol of scientific progress and the costs of exploration.