Astronomy: Muttnik

   

A depiction of a Muttnik in Soviet overtones by artist Richard S. Carbonneau. I must say the image maintains the cuteness of the dog while retaining the image and message of Soviet ideology and the pains and loneliness the dogs must have felt. Wow.

The song "Soap On Your Skin" by the Solids is pretty much stuck in my head. By the way, The Solids are also responsible for the music at the opening credits of How I Met Your Mother.

But that's not the main reason why I'm writing this post but here, do enjoy the music! I'll post on this #LSS of mine another time. 

The dog featured here is Muttnik. The same image is used in The Solids' album and in Carter Bays and Craig Thomas' sitcom, How I Met Your Mother

No, my reason for writing this post is because of Laika, the dog in the cover of their album. I saw the album cover and saw this adorable looking dog and that name - Muttnik! Soviet space dogs were called Muttniks by Americans -  a pun on the Sputniks they were placed in.

Laika (also called Kudryavka or "Litte Curly") is generally agreed to be some form of Husky and probably even have Terrier in her. She was taken from the streets and trained for space flight. The Soviets picked Moscow strays since they were able to endure rough and cold conditions. It was only revealed in 2002 that she died of overheating due to malfunction. She died on November 3, 1957. It took 45 years for the Russians to finally reveal her cause of death.

Monument of Laika in Moscow Russia. Picture taken from Google.

Here's to you Laika and to all the Space dogs and other animals who helped improve the safety standards and features of modern space travel. May they be remembered as heroes!