Laika was a small stray from Moscow who, in 1957, became the first living being to orbit Earth. She never returned, but her flight marked the moment humanity truly began to leave its home planet. A tiny dog sealed inside a metal capsule, circling a world that scarcely knew her name—her journey stands as a reminder that every great step forward is shaped by bravery, awe, and profound sacrifice. | Inside History

Laika became the first living being to orbit Earth in 1957 aboard Sputnik 2. The mission proved that a mammal could survive launch and brief time in microgravity, but the spacecraft was not designed for recovery. Laika died within hours due to overheating, making her flight both a scientific milestone and an enduring ethical controversy. Follow @spaceeves #SpaceHistory #Laika #Sputnik2 #SpaceEve | SpaceEve