@the.space.nerd6: [FIRST ANIMALS IN SPACE] Explanation: Félicette (the black & white cat featured in the video) was a Parisian stray, launched into space by France in 1963. She survived the space flight and returned safely to Earth. Sadly, she was euthanized months later so scientists could study her brain. She was mostly forgotten, but now has a statue in her honor. Laika (the dog also featured in the video) was a gentle Moscow stray, launched by the USSR in 1957 aboard Sputnik 2. She became the first living creature to orbit Earth — but it was a one-way trip. She died from overheating and stress just hours after launch. Her sacrifice changed spaceflight forever, but at a heartbreaking cost. A monument in Russia honors her memory. Two strays turned space pioneers. One survived the flight but not the lab. The other never had a chance to come home. Both gave everything so humanity could reach the stars. 🌍🚀 There were a bunch more animals used to make these experiments. All of them will be honoured. #creatorsearchinsights #fyp #xybca #space #edit

The Space Nerd

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Saturday 02 May 2026 14:33:11 GMT