nov 3, 1957 - First animal in space (USSR)

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Laika, a Soviet Samoyed-terrier cross, was sent into space inside the Sputnik 2 spacecraft. One of the technicians preparing the capsule before final liftoff stated that 'after placing Laika in the container and before closing the hatch, we kissed her nose and wished her bon voyage, knowing that she would not survive the flight.'

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