60 years ago, on 19 August 1960, two brave dogs, Belka and Strelka, went to space on board Sputnik 5. They became the first living beings (and the cutest!) to safely return from orbit, paving way for human spaceflight.

Image from preview.redd.it and submitted by filosoful
image showing 60 years ago, on 19 August 1960, two brave dogs, Belka and Strelka, went to space on board Sputnik 5. They became the first living beings (and the cutest!) to safely return from orbit, paving way for human spaceflight.

potatolulz on August 19th, 2020 at 06:10 UTC »

Belka looked concerned, but strelka was pretty damned hyped about the whole thing. I mean either that or traumatised.

lovebyte on August 19th, 2020 at 06:33 UTC »

3 years later, the French sent the first cat FĂ©licette into space and back.

It was an amazing time for space. In the space (!) of 3 years, 3 nations sent mammals to space and returned them safely.

nadmaximus on August 19th, 2020 at 08:41 UTC »

I moved two cats and three dogs from the US to France.

They were also "brave" in that they had no idea WTF was about to happen and there were definite looks of betrayal as their kennels were put on the luggage conveyor belt and they were pulled out of sight.

I have no idea what was their exact experience going through the cargo system, in the hold, etc. I know it involved pee, poop, and vomit. When we collected them on the other end they were the most pissed off and scared I've ever seen a dog or cat to be.

I bet these guys didn't like it either.