On This Day in Space! Feb. 22, 1966: Soviet space dogs launch on record-setting mission

On Feb. 22, 1966, two Soviet space dogs launched on a mission that would set a new record for the longest spaceflight. 

The Soviet space dogs Veterok and Ugolyok, still in their spacesuits, after their historic 22-day space mission in February 1966.

Veterok and Ugolyok, whose names translate to "Light Breeze" and "Coal" spent 22 days orbiting the Earth. 

This record was not surpassed by humans until 1971, and the record has never been surpassed by dogs! 

The space dogs returned to Earth safe and sound, and their contributions to the Soviet space program helped pave the way for humans to safely fly in space, too.

Reference: Space:  Hanneke Weitering