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Homescience

8 Animals That Travelled to Space Before Humans Did

Long before humans stepped into space, a host of animals led the way. From dogs and monkeys to tortoises and flies, these brave creatures helped shape the future of space exploration.

Sheetal Kumari | May 29, 2025 / 16:30 IST
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Ham the Chimpanzee: Ham, the first chimpanzee to be trained for space, flew on the Mercury-Redstone 2 mission in 1961. His successful mission helped test astronaut training and spacecraft systems. (Image: NASA)
Ham the Chimpanzee: Ham, the first chimpanzee to be trained for space, flew on the Mercury-Redstone 2 mission in 1961. His successful mission helped test astronaut training and spacecraft systems. (Image: NASA)
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Belka and Strelka: In 1960, Soviet space dogs Belka and Strelka orbited Earth and safely returned. They were the first animals to survive a space mission and return alive! (Image: @EmbassyofRussia/X)
Belka and Strelka: In 1960, Soviet space dogs Belka and Strelka orbited Earth and safely returned. They were the first animals to survive a space mission and return alive! (Image: @EmbassyofRussia/X)
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Laika the Dog: Laika, a Soviet space dog, became the first animal to orbit Earth in 1957. Her mission aboard Sputnik 2 marked a crucial step in space travel. (Image: @historyinmemes/X)
Laika the Dog: Laika, a Soviet space dog, became the first animal to orbit Earth in 1957. Her mission aboard Sputnik 2 marked a crucial step in space travel. (Image: @historyinmemes/X)
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Albert II the Monkey: In 1959, Albert II, a rhesus monkey, became the first primate in space. His flight aboard a US V-2 rocket was a milestone in understanding space’s effects on living beings. (Image: @facts_matter3/X)
Albert II the Monkey: In 1959, Albert II, a rhesus monkey, became the first primate in space. His flight aboard a US V-2 rocket was a milestone in understanding space’s effects on living beings. (Image: @facts_matter3/X)
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Félicette the Cat: Félicette, the first and only cat in space, was launched by France in 1963. Her journey helped scientists study the effects of space on biological systems. (@emilyyyhu/X)
Félicette the Cat: Félicette, the first and only cat in space, was launched by France in 1963. Her journey helped scientists study the effects of space on biological systems. (@emilyyyhu/X)
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Squirrel monkey, Miss Baker: In 1959, space pioneer Miss Baker, a squirrel monkey, journeyed aboard a Jupiter IRBM rocket. (@hombreingles/X)
Squirrel monkey, Miss Baker: In 1959, space pioneer Miss Baker, a squirrel monkey, journeyed aboard a Jupiter IRBM rocket. (@hombreingles/X)
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Tortoises: In 1968, Soviet tortoises aboard Zond 5 orbited the Moon with worms and soil. After six days, they crash-landed in the Indian Ocean but survived. (Image: NASA)
Tortoises: In 1968, Soviet tortoises aboard Zond 5 orbited the Moon with worms and soil. After six days, they crash-landed in the Indian Ocean but survived. (Image: NASA)
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Tardigrades: Tardigrades, tiny and resilient creatures, were sent to space in 2007. They survived extreme conditions, showcasing their remarkable adaptability. (Image: Canva)
Tardigrades: Tardigrades, tiny and resilient creatures, were sent to space in 2007. They survived extreme conditions, showcasing their remarkable adaptability. (Image: Canva)

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