description Sputnik 2 Overview
Sputnik 2 was the second spacecraft launched into Earth orbit by the Soviet Union, lifting off on November 3, 1957. The mission achieved global historical significance by carrying the dog Laika, who became the first living animal to orbit the Earth. Unlike the first Sputnik, the conical spacecraft was heavily modified to support life support systems, food, and climate control for its passenger. Laika ultimately perished during the flight due to thermal issues, as the spacecraft was not designed to return to Earth safely.
insights Ranking position
Sputnik 2 ranks #51 of 100 in the Spacecraft ranking, behind Vostok 2, ahead of GRAIL Ebb.
help Sputnik 2 FAQ
What animal did Sputnik 2 carry into space?
Sputnik 2 famously carried a dog named Laika into orbit. The Soviet spacecraft was launched on November 3, 1957, making Laika the very first living animal to circle the Earth.
Did the dog on Sputnik 2 survive the mission?
Tragically, Laika did not survive the mission, as the technology to safely return a spacecraft from orbit did not exist at the time. She likely died a few hours after launch from overheating due to a thermal control failure.
How soon after Sputnik 1 was Sputnik 2 launched?
The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2 less than a month after the historic launch of the original Sputnik 1. This incredibly fast turnaround shocked the world and escalated the early Space Race.
What was the purpose of the Sputnik 2 mission?
The primary goal of the mission was to gather data on the biological effects of orbital spaceflight on living organisms. This provided vital information that eventually paved the way for human spaceflight.
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