The launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviets astonished the world. A month later, the Soviet Union gained further prestige by successfully orbiting Sputnik 2.
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| Sputnik 2 was the second spacecraft placed into Earth orbit by the Russians on November 3, 1957. It was notable for being the first to carry a living animal into orbit—a dog named Laika. This cover was created by Kniga and features a backdated Moscow postmark of November 3, 1957. |
Launched on November 3, 1957, Sputnik 2 was the second spacecraft to enter Earth orbit and the first to carry a living animal—a dog named Laika. This cone-shaped capsule measured 4 meters (13 feet) in height and had a base diameter of 2 meters (6.6 feet). It contained various compartments for radio transmitters, a telemetry system, a programming unit, a regeneration and temperature control system for the cabin, and scientific instruments. Laika was housed in a separate sealed compartment, where the pressurized cabin provided enough room for her to lie down or stand, with padding for comfort. An air regeneration system supplied oxygen, and her food and water were delivered in a gelatinized form. Laika was fitted with a harness, a waste collection bag, and electrodes to monitor her vital signs.
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| Photo: An image depicting the interior of the Sputnik 2 spacecraft. |
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| First day cover featuring Sputnik 2 stamps released on December 30, 1957. This set included four stamps with the same design but varying denominations.
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| Initial telemetry suggested that Laika was restless but eating her food. It was thought that she lived only a few hours, rather than the intended ten days, due to the heat. This postcard features a special postmark commemorating the third anniversary of the Sputnik 2 launch. |
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| Two covers displaying a special postmark commemorating the orbital decay and atmospheric re-entry of Sputnik 2 after approximately 2,000 Earth orbits. The bottom cover features a hand-drawn sketch of Laika. |
(Reference from
Sputnik 2)
