Laika, a stray dog from the streets of Moscow, was launched into space aboard the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2 on November 3, 1957. She became the first living being to orbit Earth, paving the way for human spaceflight. Laika's mission was part of the Soviet Union's early space program, which aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of sending biological organisms into space and return them safely to Earth. Unfortunately, Laika was not able to return as the technology to de-orbit spacecraft had not yet been developed. She passed away a few hours after the launch due to overheating. Despite the tragic outcome, Laika's mission provided valuable information about the effects of space travel on living organisms. Her sacrifice helped scientists better understand the challenges of space exploration and contributed to the success of future manned missions. While Laika's mission was a significant milestone in the history of space exploration, it also sparked ethical debates about the use of animals in scientific research. Her story serves as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices involved in pushing the boundaries of aerospace science.