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Space exploration has not only been limited to humans but has also involved various animals venturing beyond Earth’s atmosphere. From fruit flies to mice, numerous creatures have played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of space travel. Let’s explore the fascinating journey of 10 animals that have been to space.
In 1947, the first animals in space were fruit flies, sent by American scientists to study the effects of cosmic radiation. These flies were launched in a V-2 rocket and returned safely, showing no radiation damage.
Since then, monkeys and apes, including rhesus macaques and chimpanzees, have been integral to space research. Ham, a chimpanzee, became the first great ape in space, launched by NASA in 1961 and safely returned.
Mice have been extensively used to study the effects of space travel on the human body. The first mouse went into space in 1950, reaching 137km altitude, unfortunately dying due to a rocket malfunction.
The Soviet Union sent several dogs into space, with Laika being the most famous. Laika became the first animal to orbit Earth in 1957 but tragically died due to overheating.
In 1968, two tortoises orbited the moon on the Soviet Zond 5 mission, contributing to lunar exploration research. Additionally, frogs, spiders, fish, tardigrades, and nematodes have all made significant contributions to space research and survival. These animals have endured extreme conditions and provided valuable insights into the challenges of space travel.
The journey of these animals highlights the critical role they have played in advancing our knowledge of space exploration and the effects of microgravity on living organisms. As we continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, these pioneering creatures will always hold a special place in the history of space travel.
