Laika Collection

Laika the space dog postcard. Artwork on postcard of Laika, the bitch who became the first animal in space. She was launched aboard the Soviet Sputnik 2 spacecraft

Laika the space dog
First animal in space. Laika, the bitch who became the first animal in space, inside a mock-up of the cabin of the Soviet Sputnik 2 spacecraft. Sputnik 2 was launched on 3 November 1957

Laika the space dog
First animal in space. Laika, the bitch who became the first animal in space, inside a mock-up of the cabin of the Soviet Sputnik 2 spacecraft. Sputnik 2 was launched on 3 November 1957

Studies on Lindozero (laika [dog breed]), 1915. Creator: Sergey Mikhaylovich Prokudin-Gorsky
Studies on Lindozero (laika [dog breed]), 1915.

Resting Along the Tau River, 1856. Creator: Ivan Dem'ianovich Bulychev
Resting Along the Tau River, 1856. From Puteshestviye po Vostochnoy Sibiri I. Bulychova. Chast 1-ya. Poyezdka v Kamchatku (A journey across eastern Siberia: Part 1, Trip to Kamchatka)

Kamchatka Dogs, 1856. Creator: Ivan Dem'ianovich Bulychev
Kamchatka Dogs, 1856. From Puteshestviye po Vostochnoy Sibiri I. Bulychova. Chast 1-ya. Poyezdka v Kamchatku (A journey across eastern Siberia: Part 1, Trip to Kamchatka)

First animal in space: Laika the Soviet space dog
A technician prepares Laika, the bitch who became the first animal in space, for her launch aboard Sputnik 2 on November 3, 1957

Hunting Scene, End of 19th-Early 20th century. Private Collection

The hunters, Second Half of the 19th cen. Found in the Collection of State Museum The Tolstoys Estate Yasnaya Polyana

Laika, Russian cosmonaut dog, 1957. Laika was the first animal to orbit the Earth, travelling on board the Sputnik 2 spacraft launched on 3 November 1957

Model of Sputnik 2
Sputnik 2. Cut-away model of the top of the rocket carrying Sputnik 2, the second man-made object to be placed into orbit

Sputnik 2, Soviet spacecraft. This was the second spacecraft to orbit the Earth, doing so on 3 November 1957. This cone-shaped spacecraft was 4 metres high and 2 metres across at the base

Laika the satellite dog in her specially designed contraption in Sputnik II before take-off. Her last meal was poisoned to prevent her dying a slow death of starvation

Sputnik 2 space capsule

Laika dog, front view

Finnish Laika dog, lying down

Sputnik-type capsule in Baikonur museum
Sputnik-type capsule, designed to carry animals into space, in Baikonur space museum, Kazakhstan. Photos show Sergei Korolev in July 1954 with a dog that flew on a suborbital rocket

Laika, the first animal in space
Mock-up of Laika, the first animal in space (Sputnik 2, launched on 3 November 1957). The spacesuit is mounted to a restraint for insertion into the capsule

Space dog capsule. Model of Sputnik 2, the Soviet satellite capsule that carried Laika, the dog who became the first animal to go into orbit. Sputnik 2 was launched on 3 November 1957

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"Laika: From Hunting Scene to Space Exploration - A Tribute to the Brave Canine" In this captivating postcard, we witness the incredible journey of Laika, a legendary figure in both hunting and space exploration. The image transports us back to the end of the 19th century, where a picturesque hunting scene unfolds before our eyes. The hunters, from the second half of that era, exude determination as they embark on their noble pursuit. Fast forward to 1957 when history was made with Laika's remarkable feat as a Russian cosmonaut dog. As the first animal in space aboard Sputnik 2, she paved the way for future astronauts and captured hearts worldwide. This brave canine defied all odds and became an icon of courage and scientific advancement. The model of Sputnik 2 serves as a reminder of mankind's ingenuity during that era. It symbolizes humanity's relentless quest for knowledge beyond our planet's boundaries. Within its capsule lies Laika herself – forever etched into history as she embarked on her groundbreaking mission. Laika's story is one filled with triumphs and sacrifices; her legacy continues to inspire generations even today. Her unwavering spirit exemplifies bravery in its purest form – an embodiment of how animals have contributed selflessly to human progress. Let us remember Laika not only for her role in space exploration but also for her connection to our ancient past through hunting scenes depicted here. She represents an extraordinary bridge between two worlds – from chasing prey amidst nature's beauty to soaring among stars within Sputnik 2. May we always cherish Laika’s memory as a testament to humanity’s insatiable curiosity and unyielding desire for discovery beyond what seems possible.