Laika, Heroic traveller of the universe, forever diesel icon.
Laika, a dog that was the first living creature to be launched into Earth orbit, on board the Soviet artificial satellite Sputnik 2, on November 3, 1957.
Bust Width: 46 cm.
Shoulder width: 44 cm.
Sleeve length: 19 cm.
Length: 62 cm.
 
Laika was a small (13 pounds [6 kg]), even-tempered, mixed-breed dog about two years of age. She was one of a number of stray dogs that were taken into the Soviet spaceflight program after being rescued from the streets. Only female dogs were used because they were considered to be anatomically better suited than males for close confinement. Laika trained for life on board the satellite by learning to accept progressively smaller living spaces. She was spun in a centrifuge to accustom her to changes in gravitation, and she learned to accept food in jellied form that could be easily served in an environment of weightlessness.
When the launch was announced, Laika became an international celebrity.