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Concept
Sputnik 2
Summary
Sputnik 2 (ˈsputjnjɪk, Спутник-2, Satellite 2), or Prosteyshiy Sputnik 2 (PS-2, Простейший Спутник 2, Simplest Satellite 2) was the second spacecraft launched into Earth orbit, on 3 November 1957, and the first to carry an animal into orbit, a Soviet space dog named Laika. Laika died on the fourth orbit due to overheating caused by an air conditioning malfunction.
Launched by the Soviet Union, Sputnik 2 was a cone-shaped capsule with a base diameter of that weighed around , though it was not designed to separate from the rocket core that brought it to orbit, bringing the total mass in orbit to . It contained several compartments for radio transmitters, a telemetry system, a programming unit, a regeneration and temperature-control system for the cabin, and scientific instruments. A separate sealed cabin contained the dog Laika.
Engineering and biological data were transmitted using the Tral D telemetry system, transmitting data to Earth for a 15-minute period during each orbit. Two photometers were on board for measuring solar radiation (ultraviolet and x-ray emissions) and cosmic rays. A 100 line television camera provided images of Laika.
During 1956, the main Soviet satellite program was the large "Object D" capsule (which would eventually become Sputnik 3). However, this was becoming increasingly delayed, with concerns that the R-7 booster would not be powerful enough to launch a 1500 kg capsule in time for the International Geophysical Year. In response, Korolev developed a plan which called for two small satellites (PS-1 and PS-2) of around 100 kg to be launched during 1957. The choice to launch these two instead of waiting for the more advanced Sputnik 3 to be finished was largely motivated by the desire to launch a satellite to orbit before the US.
The first of these satellites, PS-1, was successfully launched in October 1957. Immediately following the launch, Nikita Khrushchev asked Sergei Korolev to prepare a Sputnik 2 in time for the 40th anniversary of the Bolshevik revolution in early November.
Official source
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