We were asked to write about something astronauty for astronaut day. Most people would probably write about the first man/woman in space or Neil A. Armstrong. I, however, am not most people, so I will be writing about the first living creature that made it to space, Laika, the first cosmonaut and space dog.
Laika’s story was a sad one from start to finish, she was a street dog that was possibly a husky terrier mix. In late 1957 she was plucked off the streets of Moscow and brought to what is now known as Kazakhstan. She was picked due to her weight, breed, age, and gender being considered “ideal”. The Russian scientists specifically chose a street dog because they thought that she would be more accustomed to hunger and cold.
Laika was then bopped on the nose and sent off. Unfortunately, she died shortly after reaching space. Her remains along with sputnik 2 burned up in earth's atmosphere. Later on, the scientists who maned the project and were in charge of Laika expressed regrets over sending her on the mission. In the end the soviets did not learn from this unfortunate waste of life and sent approximately 10 more animals to their deaths via atmospheric disintegration. I bring up the tragic tale of Laika because she is an important part of astronaut history. She has done many disservices in her life and unnecessary death for the forwarding of space travel. The last service we can give her is to remember and honor her.
Written by Stellar Student Raz Mille who was part of Go For Launch! Norwich 2024
