Korabl-Sputnik 2

Also known as Sputnik 5

Soviet artificial satellite, first to send animals into orbit and return safely

Key facts

Names: Sputnik 5
Mission type: Biological Technology
Operator: Soviet space program
Harvard designation: 1960 Lambda 1
Cospar id: 1960-011A
Mission duration: 1 day
Spacecraft: Vostok-1K No. 2
Spacecraft type: Vostok-1K
Manufacturer: OKB-1
Launch mass: 4,600 kilograms (10,100 lb)
Launch date: 19 August 1960, 08:44:06 ( 1960-08-19UTC08:44:06Z ) UTC
Rocket: Vostok-L 8K72
Launch site

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Article

Stamp issued to commemorate the mission

Korabl-Sputnik 2 (Russian: Корабль-Спутник 2, lit. 'Ship-Satellite 2'), also known as Sputnik 5 in the West, was a Soviet artificial satellite, and the third test flight of the Vostok spacecraft. It was the first spaceflight to send animals into orbit and return them safely back to Earth, including two Soviet space dogs, Belka and Strelka. Launched on 19 August 1960, it led to the first human orbital flight, Vostok 1, which was launched less than eight months later.