Golden anniversary--U.S. enters space race

The Russians followed the launch of Sputnik 1 with Sputnik 2, which contained a 13-pound stray mutt named Laika. The stunt worked, but it also backfired after people realized that the Russians sent the dog to die in space. The satellite contained extra oxygen and food to keep Laika alive, but the Russians never intended to recover Laika, who apparently died soon after launch due to heat and stress. Sputnik 2 was also called "Muttnik" by its detractors.