The dog Laika, the first living creature in orbit, died of overheating in 1957

A dog named Laika was the first living creature to leave the planet Earth and find itself in orbit. This happened in November 1957. A tragic story, it must be said: a stray dog picked up off the street met every criterion, from height and weight to straightness of limb, colouring and docility. Among the other candidates she proved the hardiest and the strongest, and that is how she came to be chosen, to all intents and purposes, for certain death. The recollections of Laika's launch contain a touching episode: shortly before lift-off it was noticed that the poor creature was thirsty. Although the capsule did have a feeder with moist food, no provision had been made for water, so it was decided to give the animal a drink. The capsule was opened and Laika was given a bowl of water. She died a few hours after take-off, when the temperature in the cabin rose to forty degrees. But the world press knew nothing of the animal's death, and throughout the satellite's flight they worried for the life of the poor little pioneer. It is held that after Laika 48 dogs, 15 monkeys and 2 rabbits flew into space. Such is involuntary heroism 😣