Animals That Went to Space First
By Radiocity Team
Published Jun 19, 2025
Laika the Dog
Launched by the USSR in 1957, Laika became the first animal to orbit Earth aboard Sputnik 2, though she sadly did not survive the journey.
Ham the Chimpanzee
Trained by NASA, Ham became the first chimp in space in 1961. His successful mission proved that humans could survive space travel.
Albert II the Monkey
The first monkey in space to reach space altitude. Launched in 1949 by the U.S., Albert II died during reentry due to parachute failure.
Félicette the Cat
Known as “Astrocat,” Félicette was the first and only cat in space. France launched her in 1963 to study the effects of microgravity.
Tardigrades (Water Bears)
In 2007, these tiny, resilient creatures survived exposure to the vacuum of space and cosmic radiation—and came back alive.
Fruit Flies
The first animals in space! Sent by the U.S. in 1947 aboard a V-2 rocket to test radiation exposure at high altitudes.
Tortoises by the USSR
The Soviet Union sent tortoises to orbit the Moon aboard Zond 5 in 1968. They returned safely, paving the way for human lunar missions.
Things You Didn’t Know Women Created
