Laika: First Casualty of the Space Race

05/01/2026 13 min
Laika: First Casualty of the Space Race

Listen "Laika: First Casualty of the Space Race"

Episode Synopsis

In November 1957, at the height of the Cold War, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2 into orbit. On board was not a pilot or a scientist—but a small stray dog named Laika. Her mission was never meant to return.   DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING OR A REVIEW! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise  LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/ SPONSORED BY: https://www.podcastrepublic.net/get-it-now