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Today in History: France launches Félicette, first cat in space

By Drooid · Oct 18, 2026, 10:33 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

On 18 October 1963, France launched Félicette, a trained female cat, aboard a Véronique liquid-fuel sounding rocket, making her the first feline in space. Electrodes in her skull recorded brain activity while brief electrical stimuli were applied. The capsule returned after 13 minutes; Félicette survived the flight but was euthanised two months later for brain analysis.

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Story summary

On 18 October 1963, France launched Félicette, a trained female cat, aboard a Véronique liquid-fuel sounding rocket, making her the first feline in space. Electrodes in her skull recorded brain activity while brief electrical stimuli were applied. The capsule returned after 13 minutes; Félicette survived the flight but was euthanised two months later for brain analysis.