November 3rd marks 50 years since the U.S.S.R. launched Sputnik 2 carrying Laika the dog into space. She was the first living creature to orbit the earth.
For years, it was believed Laika died after days in orbit, supposedly from a lethal injection. But, after the fall of the Soviet Union the world learned that although scientists had planned to euthanize her by injection, she actually died after just a few hours in orbit from overheating and stress. Either way, I think it was a hauntingly cruel fate. Sputnik 2 continued to orbit the Earth for about five months until it reentered Earth’s atmosphere and burned up on April 14, 1958.
Read more about Laika, watch this archival newsreel footage of little Laika (click on the first image of Laika to start the video), check out the original 1957 New York Times article on Sputnik 2 & Laika, visit her online memorial, and take a look at the new graphic novel, Laika, by Nick Abadzis.
I’m glad to know she at least returned to Earth.
I am a :baby boomer” who was a toddler when this event took place. Today, as a pet owner and animal advocate, I can only hope that Laika’s terror and distrust was short lived. By all accounts of research it was. But, the stress of abandonment of those she trusted in her last days, is haunting and sad. God Bless this sweet little innocent dog that could not know of the purposelessness for the history she was making. Those eyes that must have seen a vast dark empty sky and just wanted someone to rescue her and love her…..
hey sarah,
what am amazing poster! where did you find it? Do you know if it is available? Thanks
-steve
It looks like it was a Soviet postcard. http://www.cira.colostate.edu/ramm/hillger/Russia_postcard_1958_IGY+Sputnik-1+2+3_back.jpg
It would make a great poster!