Laika was the first dog in space, and became a worldwide phenomenon.

Laika was sent into space by the Soviet Union in Sputnik 2 in 1957, after being found on the streets of Moscow. Not much was known about the effects of space on animals, and in the hurry to beat the Americans in the Space Race, Laika was sent into orbit without a means to return her to Earth. She became the first living creature to orbit the Earth.

Originally, it was thought that Laika died four days into her journey, but it was revealed in 2002 that she only lasted around five hours before overheating and dying.

Laika is memorialized throughout Russia, including a statue in Moscow that was erected in 2008.