Laika 65 anniversary

This digital artwork commemorates Laika, the brave stray dog from Moscow who became the first living creature to orbit Earth aboard Sputnik 2 on November 3, 1957. Often misremembered as a lunar traveler, Laika's real journey was a groundbreaking — and tragic — mission in low Earth orbit. Laika is depicted in a vintage-style Soviet spacesuit, gazing solemnly toward the stars, with the Earth behind her bathed in golden light. Her transparent helmet reflects the warmth of the cosmos, symbolizing both the hope and sacrifice of early space exploration. The background features a star-filled sky, evoking the vast unknown she helped humanity begin to understand. The NFT honors Laika’s courage and legacy, blending historical truth with artistic tribute. It serves as a reminder of the cost of exploration and the lives — human and animal — that shaped our journey to the stars.