Global Animal Memorial

A long-term public-interest archive preserving animal stories, memorial records, source-based case files, and human-animal coexistence memories.

Animal Stories

Belka and Strelka: the space dogs who returned from orbit

1960-08-20 Baikonur launch site / Earth orbit / Soviet recovery area
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Belka and Strelka flew aboard Korabl-Sputnik 2 in August 1960 and returned safely from orbit, proving recovery from orbital flight was possible.

Baikonur launch site / Earth orbit / Soviet recovery area

Historical image of Belka and Strelka, Wikimedia Commons image saved locally.
Historical image of Belka and Strelka, Wikimedia Commons image saved locally.

Story

Belka and Strelka flew into orbit in August 1960 and returned alive, proving recovery from orbital flight could work.

Their story is recorded with both the technological achievement and the ethical context of animal experimentation.

They are archived because named animals helped shape the path from experimental flights to human spaceflight.

Sources

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