Who is Laika? The heartbreaking real-life story behind Ireland's Eurovision entry
Norwegian singer EMMY is set to fly the flag for Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest on Thursday night as she performs her song Laika Party in the second semi-final.
While many of us may be familiar with the song's catchy lyrics, do you know the real-life story behind the track? Laika is having a party and you're all invited. Pic: Corinne Cumming/EBU
Laika is arguably one of the world's most famous dogs to date.
She was the first living creature to be launched into Earth's orbit, on board the Soviet artificial satellite Sputnik 2.
The launch mission took place on November 3, 1957 and was revolutionary for the time. Laika is arguably one of the world's most famous dogs to date. Pic: Fine Art Images/It was always understood that Laika would not survive the mission, but for decades, many were uncertain about what actually happened to the beloved animal.
Laika was only two years of age at the time of her flight and was one of a number of stray dogs that were taken into the Soviet spaceflight program.
At the time, only female dogs were rescued from the streets as they were believed to handle confinement better than their male counterparts. It was always understood that Laika would not survive the mission, but for decades many were uncertain about what actually happened to the beloved animal. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Laika trained for some time ahead of her mission, even being spun in a centrifuge to accustom her to changes in gravity.
She also learned to accept food in jellied form that could be easily served without the need for gravity.
After the launch was announced, Laika quickly became a global celebrity, with many curious to learn of her fate. Laika trained for some time ahead of her mission, even being spun in a centrifuge to accustom her to changes in gravity. Pic: Keystone/Getty Images
According to Soviet accounts, the dog was kept alive for six or seven days into the mission and then euthanised with poisoned food before her oxygen supply fully depleted.
However, in 2002, Russian scientist Dimitri Malashenkov revealed that the previous accounts of her death were in fact false.
Laika had actually survived only about five to seven hours after liftoff before dying due to overheating and panic.
Rest in peace, Laika, you would have loved the Irish entry for Eurovision 2025!
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