TV image of Laika from the capsule, courtesy Alexander Chernov, had been a stray. IT was a metal sphere weighing about 40 lbs and was far heavier than anything the United States was contemplating launching.
An astonished world witnessed the launch of Sptunik 2 weighing 250 lbs and carrying the first living thing to go into orbit-the dog Laika.
The animal had been a stray wandering the streets of Moscow when she was captured and prepared for a space mission.
Shortly later launch the Soviets said that Laika was not destined to return alive and would die in space. The statement caused outrage to many observers.
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Dr. Malashenkov has now revealed several new details about Laika's mission, such as her food being in jelly form and that she was chained to prevent her from turning around.
There was a carbon dioxide absorbing device in the cabin to prevent the accumulation of this toxic gas, as well as an oxygen generator.
A fan was automatically activated to keep the dog cool when the capsule's temperature exceeded 15 deg Celsius.
According to Dr. Malashenkov, a great deal of work had to be done to adapt a group of dogs to the conditions in the tight cabin of Sputnik 2. They were kept in gradually smaller cages for periods up to 15-20 days.
Three dogs were trained for the Sputnik 2 flight: Albina, Laika and Mushka. Albina was the first "backup," having flown twice on a high-altitude rocket. Mushka was used to test instrumentation and life support.
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