Muttnik

Last night I was speaking to my Grammy after I helped her become a follower of this blog:) She recalled one of the very first poems she had ever written called "Muttnik," which she proudly said was published in her school newspaper. "Muttnik" is a cheeky little poem about a dog named Laika, who was the very first living creature to ever be launched into outer space. Laika, meaning "Barker" in Russian, was a female part-Samoyed terrier and was chosen to for the mission over her peers because of her even temperament. 

Laika, seen here with her harness on, became famous world-wide on November 3, 1957 when she was launched into orbit with Sputnik 2. This was the unprecedented event that clutched the hearts of the world, and moved little Grammy to write this poem. 


Muttnik 

Muttnik, Muttnik in the sky,

Faster and faster, it's flying by.

If it ever hits the ground,

Open it up, and you'll find a hound.

"The separate and sealed pressurized cabin on Sputnik 2 allowed enough room for her to lie down or stand and was padded. An air regeneration system provided oxygen; food and water were dispensed in a gelatinized form. Laika was fitted with a harness, a bag to collect waste, and electrodes to monitor vital signs. Early telemetry indicated Laika was agitated but eating her food." (Wikipedia)

Unfortunately,  Laika survived only a few hours after launch due to overheating. However, she provided scientists with vital information that would eventually allow humans to be enter space. Russian officials unveiled a small monument to honor Laika on April 11, 2008. It features a dog standing on top of a rocket and was placed near the military research facility in Moscow that prepared Laika's flight on Sputnik 2.

Thanks Grammy for writing a cute little poem that caused me to do a bit of unexpected learning and research this morning!