MetaFilter posts tagged with Laika

Dogs in Space

ovvl — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 17:33:34 -0800

On November 3 1957, Лайка, also known as Laika The Space Dog is launched into orbit around the planet earth. A small mongrel chosen for her patient temper, the Soviet Space Program gloried in her achievement, but when she was sent into space, there was no plan in place for a proper re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere. When pressed for details, the USSR media eventually claimed that she was peacefully euthanized with drugged food after six days in orbit. Documents released years later revealed that after six hours and four orbits, she died from a faulty heat-shield malfunction. Her spacecraft disintegrated five months later... But what if Laika didn’t die? Laika is a 2007 graphic novel by Nick Abadzis. Some documented aspects of the Soviet Space program are described, such as the ominous R-7 Semyorka rocket. There is artistic interpretation in the details, such as Laika’s dreams, her life as a somewhat-stray dog before her science career, and details about her relationships with her human handlers before going into space. Without caring too much about spoilers, this story is heartbreaking… But after desperate pleas from heartbroken fans, Nick Abadzis agreed to re-write dog-space history: Three Alternate Happy Endings for The Story of Laika The Space Dog! (previously)

A tiny silver ball /That makes you a hero /The moment you step inside

molybdenumblue — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:31:44 -0800

On Nov. 3, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2, a one-way, history-making trip for a dog named Laika. Take a moment to remember her. Laika and two other dogs, Albina and Mushka, underwent training prior to launch, including high-altitude flights and being kept in smaller and smaller cages. Laika was not just her name, but also what Russians called a northern breed known for their endurance. The "laikas" are also known as Karelian Bear Dogs, according to the American Kennel Club, and remains one of the most popular breeds in Finland, where it originated.

Laika Star

vronsky — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:38:56 -0800

The history of the Russian space program in three short videos. The past, the present, and the future.