Laika: The Tragic Story of the First Dog in Space

On November 3, 1957, the Soviet Space Program launched the second ever satellite into orbit. In a world first, it was inhabited by a lone female dog named Laika. This is her story.
Full soundtrack: • Geno Samuel - Laika (OST)
List of sources and references: pastebin.com/FD74fiNd
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3-D Models used:
"Dog (for 3D print)" (skfb.ly/ou8YY) by ViktorKom is licensed under
Creative Commons Attribution (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
"sputnik 2 metal ball" (www.cgtrader.com/products/spu...) by Atlas;
R-7 Semyorka ICBM by AdWat on Thingiverse: www.thingiverse.com/thing:539...
"Tu104" (skfb.ly/YZLY) by manilov.ap is licensed under
Creative Commons Attribution (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
soviet space program, laika dog, laika space dog, ussr rocket, russian icbm, russian satellite, sputnik,

[@CatgirlTrash]

I don't know why but something about Laika's story always sticks with me. I love that we, as a species, haven't forgotten her and respect what we owe to her.

[@phantazmadroidz]

The music video for Trentemøller's Moan is in dedication to her sacrifice. It's a beautifully done short film.

[@stellviahohenheim]

At least she died doing what she loved 💪🐕🤳

[@OnlyCalico]

Preach

[@EricEustace]

We, as a species sent an innocent animal to a horrible death because one nation didn't want to be seen as "weak" compared to another nation. They only made this sappy story of "heroism" to feel better about the horrible thing they did. Humans are the real monsters and will always be.

[@Thetman101]

So extra over a dog

[@suhailshafi]

Forgive us, dear Laika. You did not deserve such a horrid fate.

[@saint1809]

not enough people are talking about how geno made the entire soundtrack for this video. amazing man, I hope this blows up

[@Topdoggie7]

The utter care and love they felt for her needs to be a bigger focus in documentaries. Because that's the real tearjerker. They adored her and asked forgiveness.

[@biggreen1456]

this, it humanizes the scientists far more than I've seen many depictions

[@abigailk9180]

They don’t deserve forgiveness.

[@Peachys_Entomology]

@@abigailk9180 THIS!!! anyone who sends a innocent animal to their death doesn't deserve forgiveness

[@robertmicropenis5114]

@@Peachys_Entomology You're talking like it's not the fucking USSR doing this shit, the place that literally put people in gulags, I'm fairly sure the scientists would have to do it even if they didn't want to.

[@user-kj6fv7fw6l]

​@@abigailk9180exactly

[@sunstar4559]

Rest in peace Laika. Even though it's been decades since your departure from this life, your story lives on. You were a great girl. Thank you Geno for addressing this in a respectful manner.

[@LotsofLatte]

Dogs are far too noble and pure for mankind's tainted thirst for knowledge and survival. Thanks for making me cry.

[@nickjohnson3619]

She proves life is unpredictable. I don't think anyone could ever have guessed this little dog would be blasted into space

[@reloadpsi]

Oh my god those clips of the dogs emerging from the parachute pods and being so happy to see the handlers again... I'm freaking dying :P

[@Topdoggie7]

They had a great travel and were just like hello hoomans!

[@hay_Z2021]

Right?? I wasn't expecting the dogs to behave so calmly after that!

[@ayeyoedy9869]

I really appreciate how much this doc humanized the Russian scientists. Every other doc either villianizes them or completely omits their attempts to treat the dogs as humanly as they could given the circumstances. This is a perspective I've never seen regarding this story and it's oddly comforting to know even when conducting such experiments, humans aren't devoid of compassion.

[@eliassanchez420wakenbake]

Cuz they’re russians. Not Jews

[@TheRunningLeopard]

@@eliassanchez420wakenbake(breaths in) what the fuck

[@memethat...2822]

@@eliassanchez420wakenbakeNazis aren’t people

[@DeltaPi314]

Because racism is never ok. Unless you are talking about Russians.

[@Aotziag1389]

​@@DeltaPi314 God dude, at least make up your mind, if you say that racism is never ok, then if you give an exception to this, thereby allowing to hate some other specific country, then this does not take away the very fact that racism is racism and, as you wrote above, it is never OK

[@Laidytha]

Made me cry. Thank you for telling us the story of Laika.

[@charielperez5629]

I wasn’t planning on starting my morning in tears, but here I am. Rest in peace little Laika. Amazing work on all the documentaries Geno, thank you for putting out such great content.

[@AliRoRo_]

I absolutely love how you create your own soundtracks for these documentaries. It adds so much more emotion to the story and it's so damn good. This was an absolutely amazing doc. Thanks for the tears!

[@MilkyWay_0113]

i spent the majority of this doc in tears. thanks for your excellent work, geno. RIP to little Laika and every other space dog who was sacrificed.

[@superultramegarobot]

More than anything, I want NASA/Russia to send a dog named Laika 2 up to the ISS just for her to have fun and play around in zero gravity, as a tribute to her memory and accomplishment. Plus, it would be super fun to watch a dog flying around in zero g freely!

[@karenmcdonald7801]

I don't think any animal would enjoy that .

[@superultramegarobot]

@@karenmcdonald7801 Tell that to the mice onboard the ISS (lookup the vid if you haven't, they were confused at first but they figured it out pretty quick, eventually they were running around their cage in zero G effortlessly). Animals adapt surprisingly quickly to zero G!

[@jsc315]

I'm loving these documentaries. As much as the Chis-chan stuff is fascinating. You truly have natural knack for this. I feel like I'm watching something i would have seen as a kid in the Discovery channel. You've really outdone yourself here. Thank you

[@jordanjoestar-turniptruck]

That last minute of narration got me. It was thoughts that crossed my mind while watching, but to hear them voiced was just so heartbreaking. Poor girl.

[@dizzzy_des]

It did make me sob,,, 😭😭 thanks for a beautiful documentary wish more people knew about her. Rip little bug a good dog 💓

[@genosamuel3]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@yulligoteckg2]

15:45 I like that guy, he is soo nice, letting, Lika, play with his kids before she's going on her mission, same way with the other personnel. Also good job with the documentary, Geno!

[@xoLoveTruelySucksxo]

I was holding my dog (Laika, inspired by said Laika) in my lap while crying the whole video; I'm so glad my Laika is spoiled.

[@RANima71498]

I remember seeing once while browsing on the internet a tale about how Church Grims worked. To summarize, basically in the old days of England, it was believed that the first body buried in a newly finished graveyard had the eternal duty of watching over future bodies and being a guardian of their souls, protecting them from graverobbers and demons, especially the Devil. So to ensure a human soul never had that duty, a black dog's body was the first one interred in the northern parts. Thus, this was how Church Grim formed. The post I saw was also talking about Laika, and how when thinking about her tale and remembering the old myths about Church Grims, they wondered if Laika was accidentally made into the first Grim for those who died in space. That she waits and protects any astronauts who die while far from Earth's surface. Just a thought....

[@criticalcandor]

A wonderfully strange thought!

[@TheWorldsOkayestUSMarine]

First dog I have I'm naming her Laika o7 thank you for your service to humanity, Laika. We'll never forget you

[@Donkey2_]

So sad for Laika. Only if she can sense her life would be in danger, she would've stay as a stray dog. Her life would be much better and at least she would have not die alone cold in space where no one can hear or see you.

[@gavingiwer855]

As a kid I'd already picked out my names of my first dogs when I got older. Zero was my first (and still alive at 7) from Nightmare Before Christmas and Laika will be my next. All rescue dogs like the original Laika. I can't believe more people haven't watched this as it seems to be the most accurate and complete story about her.

[@CharlieKellyEsq]

FYI, the reason laika couldn't have her blood pressure measured was due to extraneous muscle around her neck. Most dogs in unwell environments have large neck and "head" muscles due to tension and stress. If she was unable to facilitate a BP machine, that dog went through hell before surgery before being deployed to outer space. Such a sad existence, we will never know

[@CharlieKellyEsq]

I know, the ussr would never lie about conditions of it's denizens. But maybe, just this one time, they did lie

[@3cc290]

@@CharlieKellyEsq it’s not some hidden information that she was kept in very uncomfortable conditions. perhaps it wasn’t discussed at the moment of her flight but there’s no need to speculate when even the scientists admitted to that, like the dog had to go through the same extreme training, if not worse, a human cosmonaut would.

[@jorgeluz9560]

An interesting factoid: no human has ever died in space. While ascending or descending, yes, but never in space itself. I wish I could say the same about our best friends. RIP Laika, you were not just a good girl, you were the best girl.

[@prosebeforebros2579]

three humans died in space the crew of soyuz 11 in 1971, were not ascending or descending. and are the only three humans to ever die in space. they died from decompression while just undocking from the space station, but not ascending or descending, and not in the earth's atmosphere.

[@jorgeluz9560]

@@prosebeforebros2579 I was under the impression they had died during re-entry but it seems your right about it. I stand corrected, thanks for the info.

[@jonazWC]

Thank you for this documentary! It was my first time learning about Laika and other dogs used for space discovery. RIP to the good girl.

[@CastlesForEyes]

Poor wee Laika. I hope they named a few things in her honour

[@TophiachusMinnie]

I think I have a stamp with her little face on it. What a tragic and good girl 💜

[@iusgkent9735]

Looking back I used to hate my life, mistakes and errors I have made, but looing at you I realise that there was something in that life, maybe very little and small that I didn't even notice, I have done right. We love you.

[@DrNaz]

Excellent doc geno. Had me in tears at the end. I thought Laika's demise was completely in vain.

[@Tokioka]

Great documentary Geno. And especially cool that you did the soundtrack yourself too. Love Laika's Theme.

[@nobby3OO]

Thank you for taking the time to make this

[@genosamuel3]

Thanks very much for your support!

[@soulofexistence]

That was really beautiful, thanks once again Geno

[@m.streicher8286]

I think your last 3 videos, including this one, are some of the best content on this site.

[@eggsamillion]

Wasn't expecting to have a cry today. I love these side documentaries you've been doing. The music was great.

[@Loire83]

Great doc Geno. Started following you for the CC stuff but really enjoying your other subjects now

[@SchokiKatze]

It feels so weird to watch your other informative content, after hearing you talk about Chrischan for 100 hours in the same tone. Very enjoyable Video and interesting topic!

[@ErectedGasCan]

I just had a Chris Chan marathon and my fiancé has heard the videos running in the background. Now we watched through this doc, and at the end i commented that it was the same documentarist. She said "No wonder he sounded so damn familiar!". 😂

[@Mightilyoats]

Amazing documentary, learned so much. So much care obviously went into to making it. Deserves way more view

[@CD3WD-Project]

Great video and well made, thanks for your hard work on this.

[@babbymonke]

Woah I learned about Laika and other space dogs that didn't make it just several hours ago, what a coincidence. The dogs chapter of space exploration history is heartbreaking. The well-known Belka and Strelka are just a facade, a happy story to tell children 😢

[@KyDarknight]

Another wonderfully made documentary Geno! Thank you

[@briannapartridge7539]

thank you so much for creating this wonderful video. i’m currently studying her story to create a comic for a college portfolio and this gave me all the information i needed. may she rest in peace that sweet girl.

[@OfficialAshArcher]

This is an amazing documentary, Geno. Thank you for sharing this amazing story about a good dog

[@Fragility9621]

Excellent work as always, Geno! Thank you for what you do

[@markmunoz6324]

Man Geno, you got me tearing up as the first thing I see waking up. You are great at storytelling and music production. Much love

[@ImAlxxy]

From the streets to the skies. Almost as beautiful and poetic as Yuri's story of "From the soil to the stars. " Say what you want about the USSR's legacy, but they had some beautiful and inspiring storylines.

[@AE1OU]

You should make a video on the russian experiment of resuscitating a decapitated dog head with the autojektor

[@_Tzer]

The entire lore/history behind the multiple dogs in space is nuts eventually the child of one of them was given to a president. there can be multiple doccumentaries about the entire stuff about the soviets sending stuff in space

[@nateg3998]

Amazing, Geno. Wasn't expecting to cry this morning. Thank you for your work.

[@zandikaa]

I adore what you produce, but unfortunately I won't be able to watch this. Something about Laika's story shakes me to the core. That poor dog deserved so much better.

[@jettesides420]

Your research and music is incredible. Thanks Geno.

[@wanheda319]

Plot Twist: Laika's in CWCville now

[@AmoralTom]

Laika does not deserve to be in the depths of the Chris-Chan playlist. Take her out. Set her free.

[@corytrevor5649]

Very sad story. Rip good girl

[@Aiden-animations]

Hey Geno I just watched it and got to be the most best documentary that you make I'm not saying that your other documentaries are bad or anything but this was very good you put lots of detail attention and everything even the thumbnail looks very good. You and documentary is amazing have a great day. -Aiden animations 😊

[@flowerfieldofdaisies]

I love how you portrayed this

[@featgorgon3985]

the most upsetting thing about Laika is that she could’ve lived, the soviets sent other dogs up into space and brought them back down, the only reason Laika died was because the soviet engineers were on a deadline to pump out a rocket on a rushed deadline because the Soviet Union wanted a major victory in the space race before a holiday, an arbitrary deadline for a stupid holiday is what got Laika killed, and ultimately nothing was gained from it

[@ametrinemoon]

Oh Laika, RIP sweetheart. I'd have been a mess along with the other technicians saying goodbye to the sweet girl. I have a book on soviet space dogs, it's a sad story. That's it I'm in tears now! I'm soft hearted when it comes to dogs, I would have get the dogs from the streets and say sod the space program, this furbaby needs a loving home.

[@marie-ctunnicliff513]

My French grandparents named their dog, a Brittany Spaniel (Girl) puppy bought in October 1958 - 'LAIKA' - in memory of the Little Russian dog who died in 1957.

[@Inja-ji2ly]

I enjoy the format and style you produce documentary’s. I don’t know what you do however I don’t feel drowned in information while learning a lot. Ace job chief!

[@TheLastSecretGarden]

Amazing work, Geno 😭

[@hwwwarrior90]

I watched this so that you know you have talent outside chris...everything he touches is death. If you don't branch out you'll be no different.❤

[@glassbunnyy]

This was beautiful. Thank you.

[@kilgoretrout4491]

This is my favorite episode of the Chris Chan documentary.

[@Mandy7D7]

Geno, this is a beautiful doc worthy of little Laika. 🤍

[@blount1623]

Poor baby. 😢 She didn't deserve to roast in space.

[@BaronVonTacocat]

RIP SPACE DOG 😢 Fantastic work, Geno.

[@boren8698]

love laika and love geno docs.

[@kendrafrance2469]

bravo!!! crying

[@LaikaandDamo]

A great story, well told. Thank you.

[@fanodast]

This was great!

[@josephiroth89]

Hey, Geno… I don’t know how else to let you know about this, but the Laika video was added to the Comprehensive Chris Chan playlist.

[@MurinaJois]

Appreciate all the top tier content Geno!

[@Jogyot3260]

Come for Chris Chan, stay for Geno's good narration and musics

[@kobybarnes3035]

Such an amazingly interesting story but so heartbreaking.

[@user-bh4ih5wf9u]

The amount of passion and care you put into your videos Is fucking insane. You get this all the time but I really mean it when I say that you are fucking amazing dude.

[@keriddunk1520]

Dude you got me tearing up 😢

[@Donkey2_]

RIP LAIKA WE NEVER FORGET YOU🙏

[@Gyarustyleloverr]

She deserved better😢🥀

[@camobca5125]

Your voice is so calming

[@VT_Writer]

Well done tribute to Laika. Thank you.

[@HeliosGreek]

this documentary not having alot of views is a crime, Good Girl Laika ❤

[@halfadecade4770]

omg thank you for posting the artist chesley bonestell, i love that kind of art and that sent me down a rabbit hole.

[@lucasm20]

Another masterpiece, bravo Geno!

[@genosamuel3]

That’s so much for your kind words!

[@cowbatboots282]

Came for Sandeaux, left with a full body sadness for Laika. ☹️

[@nebbisoda]

The closing thoughts really hit the nail on the head. Fantastic work as always, Geno!

[@eriisonline3729]

Every time I think about her, I cry. :'(

[@shatteredprism]

Time to cry for me

[@noarmsnolife6665]

Another great documentary! You're carving out your own little niche here. You are a wonderful storyteller.

[@ojvr3422]

this breaks my heart 😞

[@cdiqueen]

I love space travel but hate space travel

[@mathieuleader8601]

Laika was very brave

[@seltaeb9691]

When it got in space, did it think - now where's my ball got to, ahhh there it is, ever sooo BIG!

[@max-gn1zj]

Amazing documentary as always Geno. Keep making more of these :)

[@Twinklethefox9022]

I really feel sorry for that dog. Makes me want to give my dog extra belly rubs and a treat.

[@SkeletonSyskey]

Great Video, Laika's Story always interested me.

[@phantazmadroidz]

Beautiful documentary, Geno. I come to expect no less from the man who has waded through decades of Christory. Much, much love and well wishes.

[@otanky296]

Rad. Just found this other channel of yours. SUSCIVED!

[@beetlehorn]

Ill always think of that beautiful Space Dandy episode where they meet Laika. Almost enough to mwke me tear up just thinking of it

[@Afrancis1968]

When I go through the pearly gates, I want my dog to meet Laika so he knows that he does not know what it truly means to be kenneled. RIP Laika