Laika
A Soviet stray dog who became the first animal to orbit Earth. She was launched on Sputnik 2 in 1957 but sadly, died within hours of launch due to overheating and stress.
Ham
A chimpanzee who was sent into space by NASA in 1961. He successfully completed a 16-minute suborbital flight, making him the first primate to return safely from space.
Belka and Strelka
Two Soviet dogs who became the first animals to return safely from orbit. They were launched on Sputnik 5 in 1960 and spent a day in space before returning to Earth.
Able and Baker
Two rhesus monkeys who were launched into space by NASA in 1959. They successfully completed a 15-minute suborbital flight, making them the first primates to be sent into space.
Tardigrades
hese microscopic creatures, also known as "water bears," have been sent into space several times. T
Fruit Flies
Drosophila melanogaster, the common fruit fly, has been used extensively in space research.
Mice
Mice have been sent into space to study the effects of microgravity on their bodies and behavior.
Plants
Various plants, including rice, wheat, and potatoes, have been grown in space.