On August 19, 1960, the spacecraft carrying the dogs Belka (Squirrel/White) and Strelka (Arrow) were successfully launched. After orbiting the Earth 17 times, the canine cosmonauts returned safely to Earth. Strelka is a light-colored female with dark spots, weighing 5.5 kg and standing 32 cm tall. Belka is a light-colored female with short hair, weighing 4.5 kg and standing 30 cm tall.

Space dogs Belka and Strelka

In addition to Belka and Strelka, the ejected container contained 12 mice, insects, plants, fungal cultures, seeds of corn, wheat, peas, onions, and some types of microbes.

The container contained: a cabin for animals, a feeding apparatus, a sewage disposal device, a ventilation system, ejection and pyrotechnic equipment, radio transmitters, television cameras, and blocks with nuclear photo emulsions.

Space Squad

Belka and Strelka's spaceflight, which lasted over 25 hours, yielded unique scientific data. The dogs' flight was accompanied by some physiological changes in Belka. After the fourth orbit, she became very restless, tried to free herself from her restraints, barked, and felt very ill. All this led to the planning of the first human spaceflight lasting no more than one orbit around the Earth.

Belka and Strelka. Meeting with schoolchildren.