Animals in space: pioneers of space travel

The research of space has produced many heroes, and some of them had four legs, wings or fins. Animals played a crucial role in the early days of space travel when scientists examined the effects of weightlessness on living organisms. In this article we illuminate the history of animal space travelers and their contributions to science.

1. Introduction

Before the first human space travelers, it was animals that dared to travel to the unknown. They helped the scientists to understand how the body reacts to the conditions in space. These brave animals made an invaluable contribution to space research and paved the way for human astronauts.

2. The first animal space travelers

The first animals in space were fruit flies that were sent to space on board a V-2 rocket in 1947. Your flight helped the scientists to understand how the radiation in space affects living organisms.

3. Dogs in space

Dogs played a central role in the early days of the Soviet space programs.

Laika: The first dog in space

Laika, a mixed breed dog from Moscow, was sent to space on board the Sputnik 2 in 1957. Laika was the first living being to reach the earth orbit. Although she unfortunately did not survive the trip, she provided important data on the effects of space flight on living organisms.

Belka and Strelka: Successful return

In 1960 the dogs were sent to Belka and Strelka and were the first living being back safely to Earth. They spent a day in the orbit in the earth and provided valuable data for the planning of future mannered missions.

4. Monkey and primates in space travel

Monkey and primates also played an important role in space history.

Albert II: The first monkey in space

Albert II, a rhesus monkey, was sent to space by the United States in 1949. He reached a height of 134 km and was the first mammal that crossed the border of space.

Ham: The first chimpanzee in space

Ham, a chimpanzee, was sent to space in 1961 and successfully completed a sub orbital flight. His mission helped to confirm the sustainability of human space travelers and paved the way for Alan Shepard, the first American in space.

5. Other animals in space travel

In addition to dogs and monkeys, many other animals were also sent to space, including mice, rats, rabbits and even turtles.

Mice and rats

Mice and rats were often used in space research to examine the effects of weightlessness and space radiation for smaller mammals.

Turtles

In 1968 the Soviet Union sent turtles on board the Zond 5 mission around the moon. They returned safely to Earth and provided important findings on the effects of space radiation and weightlessness.

6. The meaning of animals in space research

Animals played an indispensable role in the beginnings of space research. They helped to understand the risks and challenges of spatial flight and provided important data that contributed to the security and success of human space missions.

7. Conclusion

The history of space travel is rich in stories about brave animals that broke into the unknown. From Laika to Belka and Strelka to Ham and the turtles of Zond 5 - these animals were invaluable to science and helped to pave the way for human space. Your victims and services should never be forgotten because they are an important part of our space research.