Trivia
HardThe First Large Mammals Sent To Space That Survived Were?
Answer: Dogs
In the early days of space exploration and planning, animals were used to test safety conditions in order to pave the way for human occupied spacecraft. Among the earliest animals used were dogs due to their abundance, how easily they could be trained, and compared to the expense and complexity of handling mammals like chimps, the cost of dogs was trivial.
The most famous space dog, Laika–sent into space by the Soviets in 1957–never returned to Earth and her space capsule burned up in the atmosphere after its orbit degraded in 1958 (long after she would have died in the capsule). Later Soviet launches, however, yielded a return trip for the occupants. In 1960, two dogs (Belka and Strelka) successfully orbited the Earth and returned alive. Not only were the dogs celebrities in Russia, but one of Strelka’s puppies, Pushinka, became a gift for President John F. Kennedy’s daughter Caroline.
Although Belka and Strelka got the spotlight for their daring trip, it’s worth noting that the trip was a success for smaller creatures too–in addition to the high profile payload of two dogs, the spacecraft also carried a rabbit, 42 mice, two rats, a container of flies, several plants, and fungi.
Trivia
EasyIn The Film Industry, An “Apple Box” Is Used To?
Trivia
HardThe Probability of Death Is Measured In What Units?
Trivia
HardWhich Of These Brands Is Named After A Real Person?
Trivia
HardThe First Digitally Projected Movie Shown In The United States Was?
Trivia
HardCanada And Which Of These U.S. States Have Very Similar Population Sizes?
Trivia
HardWhat Is The Only Insect Known To Navigate Using Stars?
Trivia
HardWhich Video Game Had The Most Expensive Production Budget?
Trivia
Very HardThe Only Bird Species Known To Prey On Humans Is The?
Trivia
HardThe Peace Symbol Is A Stylized Representation Of?