Sputnik-2 or: Laika, Our Hero

In 1957, a Soviet street dog named Laika launched into space aboard Sputnik-2 and became the first animal to orbit the Earth. This is her story.

***2018 Webby Nominee for best science and education video***

When the international press reported the Soviets sent a dog into orbit, the public freaked. Not because communism was beating democracy in the space race, but because how could anyone send a dog-alone-into space. If there's one global commonality, it's this: everyone loves dogs. So, the Soviets spun the story. Laika, the space dog, became a national hero. Yes, she died on her one way mission. But, she gloriously orbited Earth for over a week until her eventual, peaceful death. And, because of Laika's sacrifice, the Soviet space program was now years ahead of the Americans...

But, none of that was true.

Based on declassified Soviet space program documents as well as primary source archive, this is a revised version of Laika's one way trip. In her words. That is, approximately her words. She was a dog, after all.

. . .

VIDEO BY

VOICE OF LAIKA
ELENA V. LEVENSON

ARCHIVE
GETTY
#NASA

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[tiemanmalcolm]

I saw laika in 1957, I was 7 years old my father pointed to the sky and we saw the craft quite clearly, I didn’t really understand but I remember it like it was yesterday, poor puppy 🐶

[septiceye_]

Poor Laika deserved better 💝
Laika, I'll see you in heaven 💝

[willyjee]

Good girl Laika, you Rest In Peace, love you.

[carys]

laika didn’t deserve this poor angel i hope she’s running free in heaven

[TommyMccoyMedia]

Rest among the stars Laika, you were the best the world had to offer. From an American, thank you for what you did for all humanity. ♥️

[Oathkeeper]

No it's fine, I didn't need my heart today.

[DefektoPrime]

Laika is quite eloquent for a dog. I can see why they chose her

[Nimas_Wxrld]

She was literally so calm, thats so sad she died in peace not knowing whats happening, she couldn't even Get back to earth

[mahimakammar]

It's not a dog, it's an angel❤️

[Rezyyxl]

am literally crying i love this dog so much 😭

[charlieb]

Poor pup! I still cry for to this day!

[makashihakayusa]

Rest in peace Laika. You never forgotten you still forever in our hearts.

[proscapedesigns]

1000s of strays are put to sleep each day. That day; a stray became a hero

[AJMarraffa]

That poor baby. Thinking about her trapped in that capsule all alone just breaks my heart. I wish I could give her some pats and a treat and tell her she's a good girl. I hope she at least felt some sense of awe with her view of the Earth before she passed away. RIP Laika 💔

[jaudo]

The Reds didn't prepare the mission properly, they had to plan everything in only 1 month because they were asked to start the mission for the 40th anniversary of the revolution.

[joshjosh]

Unlike 99.8% of the humans commenting there sad blah blah blah blah blah on this video..
Laika will be remembered forever.
My ten-year-old son has a poster of her in his bedroom.
Her sacrifices were not in vain.

[Muhdah]

It breaks my heart to know her life wasn't valued by the Russians. That she was used & killed by selfish humans who were too stupid and lazy to determine how to get her back. All involved should have spent the rest of their lives serving animals.

[arcadia.]

The description says peaceful death? How is a peaceful death crashing in an overheated Sputnik. She was forced her life for an experiment. A peaceful death is being surrounded by friends. Not dying alone in space

[mattramsay]

saddest thing ive heard in a long time.
she done everything that was asked of her only to suffer and die alone.
rips my heart out 😮‍💨

[xiongkiki]

Aw I feel like crying now
im so sorry Laika