Félicette was the first and only cat to travel to space.
She was part of a French space program in the early 1960s, chosen from a group of 14 stray cats for her calm nature and small size.
On October 18, 1963, she was launched aboard a Véronique AG1 rocket and reached an altitude of about 157 kilometers before safely returning to Earth by parachute. Throughout the flight, electrodes attached to her body transmitted neurological data, helping scientists better understand the effects of space travel, specifically the effects of low gravity.
Sadly, Félicette was later euthanized so researchers could study her brain in detail. For many years, her contribution was overlooked, but in 2019, a bronze statue at the Space University of France was finally erected to honor her legacy in space exploration.
When researching this story, I was elated that Félicette made it back alive, unlike Laika who never even had a chance. I was hoping she lived out the rest of her life in peace and comfort, but alas, my heart sank when I finished the rest of her story.
My cat freaks out at the slightest disturbance, so I can’t imagine how scared Félicette must have been on her journey to space. I’m just glad that no other cat shared her same fate.
Poor kitty, hope you’re resting in peace