twelfth of April the whole world celebrates Cosmonautics Day.It was then, back in 1961, the first exit into outer space made the Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.
To a person could go into space without fear for their health and without putting their lives in danger, needed years of research and numerous practical experiments.
It's no secret that long before people saw the Earth through the porthole of the spacecraft in space have already visited the animals.Shaggy astronauts landing on the aircraft that will take them beyond the Earth's atmosphere, a man closely followed the behavior of the first animal in space and how they feel.Special equipment allows to monitor even minor changes in the systems of the body.These data made it possible to improve the operation of aircraft technology, to further it was possible to launch a man into space without any risk to his health.
most common myth
What animals sent into space the very first?Many of this question may seem elementary.The most common answer we heard that the first animals, saw the space, had a couple of mongrel dogs named Belka and Strelka.And, to the surprise of many, we are forced to announce that the answer is wrong.
And who nevertheless was the first?
the initial stages of research, US scientists sent primates into space.These animals were selected because of their physiological proximity to humans.
first such suborbital flight, NASA carried out June 11, 1948.Unfortunately, during this experiment, the monkey did not survive.The next few runs were living beings with the same outcome.But during those flights still managed to gather information that could enhance the technology, and the animals that flew into space, began to return safely to Earth safe and sound.In the 60s began to perform flights also with access to the orbit.
In total, the research programs conducted by the United States between 1948 and 1969, were launched into space 32 primate.
Space Travel Dog
At the same time in parallel with the US the Soviet Union conducted its study of the cosmos.For them, the most used dog.Do you know what the first animal, a melted into space from the Russian cosmodrome?
dezik and Roma - the two watchdogs July 22, 1951 went on ballistic missiles in the upper atmosphere.Reaching the conditional border with the cosmos, which is located at an altitude of 100 km, they are in a special capsule landed safely on the ground.The flight lasted 20 minutes, and after two dogs feel great.Exactly one week was committed another flight, which ended less successfully.Dezik repeatedly sent into space, and another passenger rocket dog named Fox, crashed on landing, as the parachute, which was supposed to ensure a smooth landing of the capsule is not opened.
first victim of space experts called leaders of this experiment experiences.But studies have not stopped.In total, between 1959 and 1960 was carried out 29 sub-orbital flight, the participants of which were dogs, rabbits, white rats and mice.Some of the first animal in space during his travels were under anesthesia - to explore could be the physiological condition of the body.
Flights animals into orbit
first flight of the spacecraft from reaching orbit, carrying the living creatures was made November 3, 1957.And if before the animals were sent in pairs, now the Soviet passenger ship "Sputnik-2" became the one and only dog named Laika.Although technically the return of the dog was not possible, but she died still in flight, after 5 hours, having made four complete revolutions around the Earth.The cause of her death was a lot of stress and overheating of the body.It Laika - the first animal, a melted into space to orbit and, unfortunately, did not return.
The next time the satellite with live people on board were sent into orbit just three years later.It happened on July 28, 1960 flight, too, was unsuccessful, the spacecraft exploded after 38 seconds after starting the engine.In this experiment, the dogs were killed astronauts Chanterelle and Seagull.
And August 19, 1960 the spacecraft "Sputnik-5" went into orbit, made 17 revolutions around the Earth and successfully landed.All this time on board were terrific Belka and Strelka.After performing in March 1961, a few more of these successful flight, it was decided to send the first man into space.
selection of animals for experiments in space
first animals in space were not just so they have been carefully selected and have passed a special training before the flight.It is interesting that, taking dogs to participate in the flight gave preference to the yard, outbred individuals, as they are more physically hardy.
orbital flight required healthy dogs weighing less than six kilos and 35 cm in length, between the ages of two to six years.Placing sensors that read the information on it was most convenient shorthaired animals.
Before flying dogs trained to be in the closed chambers, simulating the cabin of the spacecraft is not afraid of loud noises and vibrations, eating, using a special device that supplies food in weightlessness.
Interesting facts about the first flight of Belka and Strelka in orbit
said that the flight of Belka and Strelka in space has opened the way for people to stars.
Few people know that in fact these lovely dogs named Albina and the Marquise, but before the beginning of the experiment it is an indication to replace the foreign nicknames to the Soviet, and now the first animal in space, visited the orbit and successfully returned to Earth, known to us underBelka and Strelka names.
Dogs were selected from a large number of applicants, but, except for basic physical parameters important was the coat color.The advantage of the animals had a light color, making it easier to monitor them through the monitors.Another important factor was the dog and appeal, as in the case of success of the experiment they must have presented to the general public.
Although approximate duration of the flight of Belka and Strelka is one day, but in training and test animals were in the approximate flight conditions up to eight days.
during the flight on board life support system was working, and with the help of a special apparatus in weightlessness dogs were fed food and water.In general, the animals feel good, and only during the launch of the rocket have observed heart palpitations.This figure is normalized when the spacecraft reached orbit.
Once made a successful exploration of space animals, it became clear - people can also visit outside the earth's atmosphere and return safe and sound.
Other animals were in space
Besides primates and dogs outside the earth's atmosphere have visited and other animals such as cats, turtles, frogs, snails, rabbits, mice, cockroaches, newts, and even some types of fish.Many will be interested to know that March 22, 1990 on a spaceship "Mir" chick could hatch of quail eggs.This is the first fact of the birth of a living being in space.
Can breed animals in space?
But the fact that in earlier fertilized egg can develop and hatch a chick in space, does not mean that animals and plants can reproduce in space.NASA scientists had proved that cosmic radiation detrimental effect on the reproductive function of living things.Germ cells due to the numerous streams of protons located in outer space, no longer perform its function.Procreation then becomes impossible.Also in the course of the experiments could not be saved in space already zarozhdёnnye embryos.They immediately ceased to grow and died.
