What was the first animal to orbit the Earth

Subject : Geography

Question:

What was the first animal to orbit the Earth?

Expert Verified Solution:

The first animal to orbit the Earth was a Soviet space dog named Laika. On November 3, 1957, Laika was launched aboard Sputnik 2, becoming the first living creature to orbit our planet. This historic mission was a significant milestone in the space race and paved the way for future human space exploration. Laika’s journey demonstrated the feasibility of space travel, although it was a one-way trip, as the technology to safely return living beings from orbit had not yet been developed.

Additional Context:

Laika’s mission was crucial for advancing human spaceflight, despite the challenges and ethical considerations associated with sending animals into space. Her flight marked a significant achievement in space exploration history and helped scientists gather essential data on the effects of space travel on living organisms.

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