Early in the morning of July 22, 1951, the first cosmonaut dogs, Dezik and Cigab, were fed a light but nutritious diet. They felt at ease in their clothing, equipped with sensors. Secured in their litter boxes, the dogs were behaving calmly. The first cosmonauts were ready for launch, though many at the launch site were skeptical they would return alive. However, 10-15 minutes after launch, a snow-white parachute appeared in the sky, and the dogs were safe and sound.

On July 29, 1951, one of the first space dogs, Dezik, was sent on a return flight. An accident occurred, and Dezik died. It was decided not to send Cigan on another mission, but to preserve him for long-term space travel research. Since then, Cigan has lived with Academician Blagonravov, and no long-term pathological changes have been noted.