Laika, a 3-year-old stray husky-spitz mix from Moscow, was chosen for her small size and calm temperament. She launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan with a Russian Sputnik rocket, the same type used for the first Sputnik satellite. Laika was alive when she reached orbit but died shortly after due to overheating, as the spacecraft's heat shield broke off. This tragic event marked one of many animal spaceflight tests conducted by both the US and Russia. Notably, some animals, like the chimpanzee Ham, survived their space journeys. Laika's legacy remains a poignant reminder of the early days of space exploration and the sacrifices made by animals in the pursuit of scientific progress. Her story has captivated people worldwide, and she remains a beloved figure in space history. The Soviet space program's use of animals in spaceflight testing paved the way for human spaceflight and continues to be a significant aspect of space exploration.