Glad to hear that you got something out of reading it, and I guess thanks for staying until the very end :P
Not so sure I would be glad for Laika. Another thing I learned today is that while most people had thought the dog died from lack of oxygen. We now know Laika died from being cooked due to the cooling system overheating... Hate to be the one to inform you :p
The next 60 years will indeed be fascinating! Most satellites will be privately owned, so it will be interesting to see what they are used for, and what eventual regulations will have to come in place. As for space exploration, the current situation is one of high collaboration, even in times of political turbulence. Which is great to see.
Thank you for your reply! Sad end for the dog. :( By the way, did you know that actually Romanian Post made a series of commemorative stamps for that lovely female dog and you can read on them: "Laika, the first traveller into Cosmos/Space." ? :)