Based on the true story, this short animation imagines a happier ending for the first animal astronaut. 

Laika, a stray dog discovered in Moscow, was trained for the Soviet space mission Sputnik 2 and launched into orbit on November 3, 1957. The upsetting reality of Laika's mission was that the technology to return from orbit had not been developed yet -- Laika was expected to die in space. She made an essential contribution to space exploration, however, proving that a living creature could survive in orbit and paving the way for human space travel. This award-winning short by Avgousta Zourelidi brings Laika to life as a cartoon puppy and pays tribute to her legacy.

The real Laika (NASA)

For more videos from Avgousta Zourelidi , visit http://avtozour.blogspot.co.uk/.

Via Vimeo Staff Picks.