Part 5/9:
Khrushchev’s orders became increasingly pressing: a man must be sent into space. This trigger led to a litany of rushed missions, including the tragic fate of Laika, a stray dog launched aboard Sputnik 2. Despite the human toll, the Soviet leadership valued the demonstration of 'success' over the well-being of living beings, and Laika tragically perished within hours due to overheating.
Unlike the slower, more methodical approach taken by NASA, the Soviets raced forward, testing systems by any means necessary while often neglecting safety protocols. Subsequent missions involving human flights were also characterized by a cavalier disregard for safety standards.