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Today in History: Félicette: First Cat Launches Into Space

10/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On October 18, 1963, Félicette, a stray cat from Paris, became the first feline launched into space aboard a French Véronique rocket. Trained for the mission, she had electrodes implanted in her skull to monitor brain activity. The flight lasted 13 minutes, and while she survived, she was euthanized two months later for research.

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Story summary

On October 18, 1963, Félicette, a stray cat from Paris, became the first feline launched into space aboard a French Véronique rocket. Trained for the mission, she had electrodes implanted in her skull to monitor brain activity. The flight lasted 13 minutes, and while she survived, she was euthanized two months later for research.