Laika

Definition

Laika was a Soviet space dog who became the first living creature to orbit the Earth aboard Sputnik 2 on November 3, 1957. Her mission was significant as it demonstrated the feasibility of sending living beings into space and laid the groundwork for future human spaceflight, marking a pivotal moment in the Soviet Space Program.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Laika was a stray dog found on the streets of Moscow and was selected for her small size and calm demeanor.
2. The mission of Sputnik 2, which Laika flew on, was primarily aimed at gathering data on the biological effects of space travel on living organisms.
3. Laika's journey lasted approximately 5 days before the spacecraft re-entered Earth's atmosphere, ultimately leading to her death due to overheating.
4. Despite her tragic fate, Laika's mission provided invaluable data that contributed to the safety and planning of future human missions into space.
5. Laika is remembered as a symbol of sacrifice in the pursuit of scientific advancement and has been memorialized in various forms of art and literature.

Review Questions

• How did Laika's mission contribute to advancements in human spaceflight?
  • Laika's mission aboard Sputnik 2 was crucial in demonstrating that living beings could survive and function in space. The data collected during her flight provided scientists with important insights into the physiological effects of space travel, which were vital for planning future human missions. Although her journey ended tragically, it paved the way for successful human flights by showing that space travel was possible and informing safety measures for astronauts.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of sending Laika into space given that her mission was intended for scientific advancement.
  • Sending Laika into space raises significant ethical questions about animal welfare and the responsibilities of scientists. While her mission contributed greatly to our understanding of space travel, it was conducted without adequate consideration for her well-being. The decision to send Laika, knowing that she would not survive, reflects a utilitarian approach that prioritized scientific progress over individual lives, prompting ongoing debates about ethics in research and experimentation.
• Assess how Laika's legacy has influenced public perception of space exploration and animal rights over time.
  • Laika's legacy has had a profound impact on both public perception of space exploration and the discourse surrounding animal rights. Initially seen as a hero of the Soviet Union's space achievements, her story has since been reinterpreted as a cautionary tale about the costs of scientific advancement. This has led to greater awareness regarding ethical treatment of animals in research contexts and has inspired advocacy for animal rights, highlighting a growing societal expectation for humane practices in scientific endeavors.

Related terms

Sputnik:

The first artificial satellite launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, marking the beginning of the space age.

Vostok 1: The spacecraft that carried Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, on April 12, 1961.

Space Race: The competition between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War to achieve significant milestones in space exploration.