Known as “Little Barker,” Laika, whose real name was Kudrjavka (meaning “curly” in Russian), was captured on the streets of Moscow. Half Husky and half Terrier, about 3 years old, she was chosen for her calm, docile nature and for adapting perfectly to the Sputnik 2 capsule. This satellite, equipped with life support systems (food and water), did not plan to return, meaning that the mission was, in effect, a death sentence for Laika. The interior of the capsule was lined and offered enough space for her to lie down comfortably. The internal temperature was maintained at 15°F, and a refrigeration system protected the animal from excessive thermal overloads. In the early hours of November 3, 1957, at 2 a.m., Sputnik 2 was launched into space. Reports indicate that Laika survived for about seven hours, although some sources suggest that her agony lasted up to four days. Alone, drifting through space… Five months later, on April 14, 1958, the satellite reentered the atmosphere after completing 2,570 orbits around the Earth, disintegrating during reentry.