Exploring Animal Astronauts

What is the main purpose of sending animals into space?

• To study the effects of space travel on living organisms.

• To test new food products for astronauts.

• To entertain the public with space shows.

• To train animals for future space missions.

Name one animal that has been sent to space.

• Cat

• Dog

• Laika

• Goldfish

What was the first animal to orbit the Earth?

• Ham the Chimp

• Sputnik

• Toto the Dog

• Laika

How do scientists ensure the safety of animals in space?

• By launching them without any preparation.

• By conducting thorough pre-flight testing and using specialized habitats.

• By placing them in regular animal cages.

• By feeding them special space food only.

What are some challenges animals face in a zero-gravity environment?

• Enhanced muscle growth

• Increased agility and speed

• Improved bone density

• Challenges include difficulty in movement and orientation, changes in fluid distribution, and impacts on muscle and bone health.

Why do researchers study the effects of space travel on animals?

• To develop new technologies for human space travel.

• To test the limits of animal endurance in extreme conditions.

• To explore the effects of space on plant growth.

• To understand biological and physiological changes in microgravity.

Can you name a famous space mission that included animals?

• Apollo 11

• Vostok 1

• Voyager 1

• Mars Rover

What type of animals are most commonly sent to space?

• Monkeys, dogs, and mice

• Elephants, horses, and cows

• Cats, rabbits, and turtles

• Fish, birds, and lizards

How do animals help us understand human space travel?

• Animals provide entertainment during space missions.

• Animals help us understand the physiological and psychological effects of space travel on humans.

• Animals are trained to pilot spacecraft on their own.

• Animals are used to build spacecraft for human travel.

What ethical considerations are there when sending animals to space?

• The ethical considerations include animal welfare, humane treatment, risk to health, and justification of purpose.

• Animals are immune to health risks in space

• Space missions improve animal intelligence

• Animals enjoy space travel