On this day in 1960, the USSR accomplished another first–the recovery of two dogs from space. These became the first living organisms to return from orbit, and were a very important component of the preparation for Yuri Gagarin’s first flight.

Belka and Strelka became national heroes, and are still celebrated today as space pioneers. After returning to Earth, Strelka gave birth to a litter of puppies, one of which was given by Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev to Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of President John Kennedy.

Learn more about the early Soviet space program here.

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