On this day in space! Nov. 3, 1957: Laika the dog launches with Sputnik 2

On November 3, 1957, history was made as Laika, a Soviet space dog, achieved orbital flight aboard Sputnik 2. This mission marked a pivotal moment in early space exploration and demonstrated the USSR’s technological capabilities. Launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Sputnik 2 carried Laika into low Earth orbit. The spacecraft completed approximately one orbit before telemetry signals ceased, indicating Laika succumbed to stress during the flight. Scientists tracked Sputnik 2's trajectory for several hours following the loss of contact, providing invaluable data regarding animal endurance in space conditions.