Laika's Window: The Legacy of a Soviet Space Dog

Laika, a stray dog from Moscow, was the first animal to orbit the Earth. She died after only a few hours in orbit due to her capsule overheating. This book examines her life and death and the speculation surrounding both, profiling the scientists behind Sputnik II and the political climate driven by the Cold War and Space Race. It also explores human empathy and the role animals play in our search for answers beyond Earth.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2022
Publisher: Trinity University Press,U.S.

Laika, a stray dog from Moscow, embarked on a remarkable journey that would ultimately end on board the Soviet satellite Sputnik II in 1957. Initially, the Soviet Union claimed that Laika, the first animal to orbit the Earth, had survived in space for seven days, providing invaluable data that would pave the way for future human space exploration. This narrative garnered widespread belief that Laika had passed away peacefully, as her oxygen supply dwindled. However, the truth behind Laika's fate has only emerged in recent decades.

In reality, Laika's capsule overheated shortly after her launch, resulting in her tragic death within a few hours. This revelation casts a different light on Laika's legacy, positioning her as a long overdue hero for pioneering the path to human space exploration. Author Kurt Caswell delves into Laika's life and demise, examining the speculation surrounding both. Through a detailed profile of the scientists behind Sputnik II, he explores the political climate driven by the Cold War and the Space Race that expedited the satellite's development.

Through this intimate portrayal of Laika, we gain a deeper understanding of her experiences in the days and hours leading up to her launch, as well as her likely final moments. Caswell argues that Laika's flight represents a pivotal moment in space exploration, marking a turning point "beyond which the dream of exploring nearby and distant planets opened into a kind of fever from which humanity has never recovered."

In addition to examining the scientific significance of Laika's flight, "Laika's Window" also delves into the depth of human empathy. It explores what we are willing to risk and sacrifice in the pursuit of scientific achievement and our exploration of the cosmos. It also examines how politics and marketing can influence this empathy. The book also explores our search for companionship and the role animals play in our drive to look beyond the Earth for answers.

"Laika's Window" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged exploration of the human-animal bond, space exploration, and the profound impact of scientific achievements on our understanding of the world. It is a testament to the resilience and curiosity of animals, as well as the enduring spirit of human exploration.

Dimension: 209 x 133 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781595349729