Heartbreaking story of what happened to chimpanzee sent to space by NASA in 1961
Before humans ventured into space, animals like Ham the chimpanzee paved the way. In 1961, the three-year-old chimp became the first primate to survive a spaceflight, enduring a turbulent 16.5-minute journey that exceeded NASA’s planned altitude and speed. Though slightly fatigued, Ham proved space travel was possible, enabling Alan Shepard’s historic mission months later. Sadly, Ham spent most of his life alone in zoos before dying at 25.
Other animals weren’t as fortunate. Monkeys like Albert I and II perished in early U.S. tests, while the Soviet Union sent dogs like Laika, who died from overheating. France launched Félicette the cat in 1963, and later missions included turtles and jellyfish. These creatures helped scientists understand space’s dangers, making human exploration safer—though often at the cost of their lives. Their sacrifices remain a crucial, if somber, chapter in space history.
