As with other experiments, the role of laboratory animals was absolutely crucial in the early exploration of the universe. Many animals took part in giving information as to what happens in gravity-free status before astronauts went to the universe. The most notable animal must have been Laika, who was the first animal to orbit the Earth.
Laika. The image at the top of the page is a model on display at the Polytechnical Museum in Russia. Image courtesy of Alexander Chernov and the Virtual Space Museum
On October 4th, 1957, the Soviet Union launched the first artificial satellite to orbit the earth, named Sputnik 1, and accelerated space development competition among many countries. About a month later, on November 3rd, 1957, second artificial satellite to orbit the earth was launched again. Not only Sputnik 2 was important in its bigger size but it had more surprise to it; the first space animal Laika was on board.
Laika was a Siberian husky, who was discovered by laboratory scientists when she was wondering in the city of Moscow. His original name was Kudryavka, but it was changed to Laika since the pronunciation was long and difficult. Before launching Sputnik 2, the Soviet Union elevated the ambience by recording Laika’s voice and playing it through televisions and radios.
Stamp art; Albanian; 1958; Russian Sputnik Dog Laika.
Inside of Sputnik 2, there were many types of equipment such as oxygen generator, carbon dioxide remover, and temperature regulator along with ample food and water supply for Laika’s survival. In addition, electrodes connected with Laika transmitted his pulse rate, breathing measurements as well as body temperature to the control tower.
Laika was shot into the universe tied tightly inside of Spunik 2. A week later, the Soviet Union announced that Laika was euthanatized and therefore had a pleasant death. However, this statement was proved to be wrong in 2002. Dimitri Malashenkov, one of the Soviet scientists, exposed hidden data of Laika in the World Space Congress in Houston, Texas, US. He showed how Laika could not handle excessive acceleration and unexpected high temperature that she died from overheating within hours of departure.
Although the truth was revealed after all and although Laika paved our way for improved technology, we should not forget the fact she was sacrificed for our selfishness. Space experiments will be continued in the future where laboratory animals will be essential. Let us not forget about the sacrifices made by them and appreciate their contribution.
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