Today in History

November 3 , 1957

The Launch of Sputnik 2

On November 3, 1957, Sputnik 2 became the second spacecraft launched into Earth orbit. Aboard was a first - a female terrier named Laika. The small capsule was 13 feet high and was launched into a 212 mile high orbit. Although the capsule contained a refrigeration and temperature control system for the cabin, Laika most likely died after the first few hours in orbit as a malfunction tore thermal insulation from the cabin and temperatures rose beyond the point where the dog could have survived.

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