7 animals that became space travellers ahead of humans

Long before humans ever set foot beyond Earth’s atmosphere, animals were sent into space to test the effects of microgravity, radiation, and extreme atmospheric conditions. These missions helped scientists understand how living organisms respond to the harshness of space. Although the experiments were often risky, they paved the way for human spaceflight by providing vital knowledge about survival, safety, and biological changes. The following animals were among the earliest and most remarkable pioneers of space exploration.

Fruit flies became the first living creatures to travel into space when the U.S. launched them aboard a V-2 rocket in 1947. Scientists chose them because their biological makeup and reproductive cycles help reveal how radiation affects living cells. The flies safely returned to Earth, providing valuable early data about the impact of cosmic rays. Their journey marked the beginning of biological space research and proved that organisms could survive a suborbital flight.

Albert II, a rhesus monkey, became the first monkey to reach space in 1949 aboard a V-2 rocket. Although he did not survive re-entry due to parachute failure, he provided significant data about the physiological impact of space travel on mammals. His mission revealed how acceleration, atmospheric pressure changes, and microgravity affected the body - information crucial to preparing astronauts for similar conditions.

Laika, a stray dog from Moscow, became the first animal to orbit Earth aboard the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2 in 1957. Chosen for her calm temperament and resilience, Laika’s mission demonstrated that a living organism could survive in orbital conditions. Although she did not return safely, her journey offered crucial insights into stress, confinement, and life-support requirements, influencing the design of future human spacecraft systems.

Belka and Strelka were among the earliest animals to complete an orbital mission and return alive. Launched aboard Sputnik 5 in 1960, they spent a full day circling Earth alongside plants and small creatures. Their successful return proved that multi-day human missions could be survivable. Their health after the flight reassured scientists that mammals could tolerate orbital travel without severe long-term damage.

Ham, a chimpanzee became the first great ape in space in 1961, launched by NASA. His mission tested whether a primate could perform tasks under microgravity and high-stress conditions. Ham successfully pushed levers and responded to instructions during flight, proving that cognitive functions remained intact in space. His success helped validate the systems that would soon carry the first American astronaut, Alan Shepard.

Félicette, a black-and-white French cat, became the only cat to travel into space when France launched her aboard a Veronique AG1 rocket in 1963. Electrodes implanted in her brain allowed scientists to study neurological responses during flight. Félicette traveled 157 kilometers above Earth and returned alive, providing important data on how microgravity affects the nervous system. Her contribution is increasingly recognised today.

Tardigrades, microscopic creatures known for their extreme resilience, were sent into space by the European Space Agency in 2007. They became the first animals to survive direct exposure to the vacuum of space. Despite intense radiation and lack of oxygen, many revived after returning to Earth. Their survival demonstrated extraordinary biological adaptability and opened new discussions about life’s limits beyond Earth.