Chernushka was one of multiple animals launched aboard Korabl-Sputnik 4 (known as Sputnik 9 in the West). Other passengers were mice, a guinea pig and Ivan Ivanovich, a mannequin known to scare personnel with his eerily realistic eyelashes.
What struck me about Chernushka ("Blackie") was just how small she was. Let's not forget the little mongrel lady.
https://i.redd.it/hjwk0vpz59pg1.jpeg
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Btw: Chernushka can be found in Paul Stradins Museum of the History of Medicine, along with several Soviet space program materials such as a spacewalk suit and a Vostok parachute seat.
So she didn’t survive the trip? Or did she die afterwards?
Totally understandable that he still looks super mad.
Imagine being a stray dog in 1960s Russia when all of a sudden a dude in a white lab coat scoops you up, loads you in a rocket, and blasts you into low orbit.
That dude is the Willy Wonka of dogs 🍫 🎫
My favorite Soviet Space Dog is ZIB. Originally, a trained dog, Bobik, was to take a sub-orbital flight in 1951. Bobik ran away several days before the flight and a street dog was rapidly procured to replace him. ZIB’s name is an acronym meaning “Substitute for Missing Bobik.” ZIB made a successful flight to 100km and back.
I wonder how many of us have dogs named Laika. 😉
Everyone always forgets about poor Félicette the french cat.
I hope I meet you in heaven someday and give you a big hug.