The Tragic Journey of Laika: The First Dog in Space and Her Fate
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Laika, the first living creature to orbit Earth, has a story that reflects the darker side of human ambition. On November 3, 1957, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution, Soviet engineers prepared Sputnik 2 for launch, fulfilling Nikita Khrushchev's directive. Within this spacecraft, a courageous Siberian husky named Kudryavka, later known as Laika, was chosen for this groundbreaking mission, primarily to study the effects of space on a living being and to pave the way for human space travel.
Where Did It All Begin?
Laika, a name translating to ‘bark’ in Russian, underwent rigorous training to acclimatize to the confined space of Sputnik 2. The spacecraft featured a cramped compartment where Laika could barely stand or sit. In the preceding months, stray dogs were recruited and subjected to challenging conditions at the space facility, including simulated high-stress environments, where they were repeatedly confined and fed a gelatinous nutrient paste.
Soviet veterinarians devised a sanitation device for the dogs, allowing them to relieve themselves during long missions. However, many dogs resisted using it, necessitating laxatives. Laika distinguished herself with her calm demeanor and adaptability, making her an ideal candidate for the mission.
Why Was Laika the Best Choice?
The decision to select female dogs stemmed from their smaller size and more stable behavior in confinement, reducing the risk of aggressive interactions. Initially, another dog named Albina was considered but was replaced by Laika after giving birth. Tests revealed that Laika was more sociable with humans than with other dogs, enhancing her suitability for the mission.
The day before her flight, Vladimir Yazdovsky, a surgeon associated with the space program, took Laika home, providing her with warmth and care for the first time. However, the following day, she was returned to the facility for final preparations.
The launch of Sputnik 2 was hurried due to political pressure, and while it was equipped with lessons learned from Sputnik 1, it lacked certain fail-safes, particularly for its living cargo. Laika would only receive food once during the journey, emphasizing the weight restrictions of the mission.
The Scenario on November 3rd
On launch day, Laika was fitted with medical instruments to monitor her vital signs. As Sputnik 2 ignited and ascended, her heart rate increased, reflecting her anxiety. The engineers celebrated the successful launch, but Laika's experience inside the capsule was distressing. It wasn't until the spacecraft left the Earth's atmosphere that her breathing began to stabilize.
However, as the craft orbited the Earth, a critical failure occurred: the temperature inside the capsule soared due to a malfunction. Initially expected to perish from toxic food within a week, Laika succumbed to the heat, her life extinguished before the anticipated timeline. The engineers, aware of her fate only in the context of data collection, mourned her loss in silence.
What Followed After?
By April 14, 1958, Laika’s legacy was cemented as the first dog in space, yet her end raised profound ethical questions about animal welfare in scientific research. Though Sputnik 1 had returned safely, Sputnik 2 was not designed to do the same. Laika's mission ultimately became a one-way journey for the sake of human knowledge.
The narrative surrounding Laika remains a poignant reminder of the cost of scientific advancement. Years later, it was confirmed that she likely perished during the second orbit due to the extreme temperatures, and Sputnik 2 continued to orbit the Earth for five months with her remains onboard.
Today, Laika's story continues to resonate, inspiring various forms of art, literature, and media, as her journey from the streets to the stars serves as a cautionary tale about the ethical implications of using animals in research.