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Today in History: Dezik and Tsygan become first dogs in space

7/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 22 July 1951, the Soviet Union launched mix-breed dogs Dezik and Tsygan from the Kapustin Yar test range on a sub-orbital flight, marking the first successful flight of animals into space and their safe return to Earth. The mission proved living beings could survive launch, weightlessness, and re-entry.

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Story summary

On 22 July 1951, the Soviet Union launched mix-breed dogs Dezik and Tsygan from the Kapustin Yar test range on a sub-orbital flight, marking the first successful flight of animals into space and their safe return to Earth. The mission proved living beings could survive launch, weightlessness, and re-entry.