What was the name of the first cat astronaut? - briefly
The first cat astronaut was named Félicette, launched by France in 1963 as part of their space program.
What was the name of the first cat astronaut? - in detail
The first cat astronaut was named Félicette, a black-and-white stray who made history on October 18, 1963, when she was launched into space by the French space program. Félicette was one of 14 cats trained for the mission, selected for her calm demeanor and adaptability. Her journey took place aboard a Véronique AG1 rocket from the Hammaguir launch site in Algeria. The flight lasted approximately 15 minutes, during which Félicette experienced weightlessness and reached an altitude of around 157 kilometers, entering space briefly before safely returning to Earth. Electrodes implanted in her brain transmitted neurological data back to researchers, providing valuable insights into the effects of space travel on living organisms. Félicette’s mission marked a significant milestone in space exploration, as she became the first and only cat to have traveled to space and survived. Despite her contributions, her story remained relatively obscure for decades, overshadowed by other space pioneers. In recent years, efforts have been made to honor her legacy, including a crowdfunded bronze statue unveiled in 2019 at the International Space University in Strasbourg, France. Félicette’s journey remains a testament to the early days of space exploration and the role animals played in advancing scientific understanding.