The Sputnik programme was a Space technology program designed by the U.S.S.R (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, now Russia) with the intention of sending people into space. This was symptomatic of the space race more generally, a metaphorical race between the U.S.S.R and the U.S.A to determine who had the most advanced space technology, culminating in the Apollo program and the manned Lunar missions.
This was symbolic of a deeper ideological contest between the powers, with the “winner” being seen as technologically superior, but it was also indicative of the emphasis that those states and their societies at large placed on technology and its value in conflict. It needs to be kept in mind that the backdrop of the Sputnik missions was The Cold War, where until the U.S.S.R’s collapse, there was the ever-present and persistent threat of Global Thermonuclear War. This race had many milestones along the way to a complete manned programme, including the ‘Laika’ launch, or the launch of Sputnik II.
“Laika”, or “barker” when translated from Russian, also known as Kudryavka (Little Curly), was a part-Samoyed terrier selected for Space travel. Laika was not the first animal in space – that honour belongs to a set of fruit flies in 1947 that the USA sent into sub orbit - but she certainly is the most famous. Before the USSR risked sending people into orbit, they wanted to test on living creatures first.
Accounts vary as to when she died, but since the Sputnik II module was in orbit for 162 days, it is difficult to speculate upon the facts of her demise.
Scientists wanted to see what effects being in orbit could have on a living creature, such as what would happen in launch and the effects of microgravity on biological matter. They also wanted to perform scientific measurements in space, including measurements of cosmic rays. The animal needed to be large and colourful enough to be observed on camera, and easily obtained. Therefore, stray dogs fit the criteria well, as they were readily available and female dogs were preferred since they were easier to rig up. A selection process then ensued, with dogs who were most tolerant of loud noises, most obedient and adaptable to air pressure changes being selected for progression.
Shortly thereafter, Laika was selected as the primary candidate and was launched with the Sputnik II module on 3rd November 1957. Unfortunately for Laika, she was not destined to survive. Although she had food and water, she died of overheating inside the cabin. Accounts vary as to when she died, but since the Sputnik II module was in orbit for 162 days, it is difficult to speculate upon the facts of her demise.
Important data was derived from this mission though, as cosmic ray data gathered initially mapped the Van Allen radiation system, although this discovery went to the eponymous scientist, whilst also measuring the first effects of space travel on biological matter.
After Laika’s death in orbit, conditions improved for animals sent into space thereafter – the Sputnik V Launch carried many animals including two dogs (Belka and Strelka) into space , returning them alive. One of Strelka’s pups (post-Sputnik) called Pushinka was gifted to Caroline Kennedy in 1961 by U.S.S.R premier Nikita Khrushchev, with descendants known to be surviving today.
