Before humans reached the moon, dogs were the first explorers.

To Boldly Go Where No Dog Has Gone Before · 9:48 · Video: Today I Found Out · Watch at the source

In short: Long before Neil Armstrong took his famous steps, humans had to answer a fundamental question: could any living creature survive the journey into orbit? The answer arrived in the form of furry pioneers.

To ensure human safety, scientists conducted a series of preliminary space flights using fruit flies, monkeys, and dogs. These tests were essential for determining if biological life could withstand the rigors of space travel. By observing these animals, researchers were able to establish the necessary precautions and protections required for human astronauts.

These missions paved the way for the Apollo 13 era and the iconic flights of Yuri Gagarin and Buzz Aldrin. The journey of these early animal astronauts represents a critical, often overlooked chapter in the history of space exploration.

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