Sputnik 2

Overview:

Sputnik 2 was the second satellite launched into orbit as well as the Soviet Unions second satellite. Sputnik 2 was launched on November 4th, 1957 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan almost exactly one month after Sputnik 1 was launched. The mission was to see how long an animal could survive in zero gravity. That animal was Laika, Laika was a simple stray dog which was found wandering the streets of Moscow. 10 dogs were selected for the program but Laika would inevitably be selected for the actual launch. Laika was housed in a pressurized cylindrical cabin and was supplied with enough food and water for 10 orbits around earth, Laika wore a special harness which had electrodes attached to measure vital signs. The capsule also had a television camera mounted to the inside of the capsule to provide a somewhat live feed of Laika’s condition. The launch was successful, Soviet engineers collected data during the mission which indicated Laika experienced minor discomfort when entering LEO (Low Earth Orbit). Laika died due to a malfunction in the capsule which caused it to overheat, and only lasted 2 days in orbit. The collected data from the mission would prove it was possible to send humans into orbit. Many accusations came forward about animals being sent into space. Mass outrage flooded the streets in disapproval of animals being put into orbit. The Soviet Union tried to disclaim the accusations as false in an attempt to cover up the incident. Year's later in the month of October, 2002 a scientist apart of the mission to send Laika into orbit came forward and revealed the truth about the mission.

REST IN PEACE LAIKA