www.mediafax.ro/life-inedit/laika-catelusa-care-a-

On November 3, 1957, Laika, a stray dog from Moscow, became the first living being to orbit Earth. Selected for her small size and calm demeanor, Laika underwent rigorous training before her launch aboard Sputnik 2. The mission aimed to showcase Soviet technological superiority during the Cold War. Despite having systems for oxygen and monitoring, there was no safe return mechanism. Researchers knew Laika would not survive; she died within hours due to overheating and stress. Initially, the Soviet authorities misled the public about her fate. It wasn't until 2002 that the truth emerged. Laika's legacy endures as a symbol of early space exploration and the sacrifices made for scientific progress.