Félicette: The First Feline Astronaut

In 1963, a cat named Félicette became the first feline astronaut, contributing to our understanding of how the brain functions in space. Her mission was part of France's efforts to join the space race, following earlier animal missions by the US and Soviet Union. Despite the challenges of space travel, Félicette's flight provided valuable data on brain activity in zero-gravity. Although her legacy was short-lived, she was later honored with a statue, recognizing her role in advancing human space exploration.

What was the primary goal of Félicette's mission?

• To compete with the Soviet Union in the space race

• To test the effects of zero-gravity on the brain

• To explore the surface of the moon

• To study the behavior of cats in space

Which country was the third to establish a space program?

• France

• Soviet Union

• United States

• China

Why were cats chosen for the French space program?

• They are easy to train

• Their nervous system was well understood

• They are naturally calm

• They are smaller than other animals

What was the name given to the first feline astronaut?

• Laika

• Albert

• Félicette

• CC 341

What was the maximum G-force experienced by Félicette during her flight?

• 9.5 Gs

• 5 Gs

• 12 Gs

• 7.5 Gs

What unusual behavior did Félicette exhibit during her flight?

• She panicked during re-entry

• She refused to eat

• She dozed off a few times

• She became aggressive

What happened to Félicette after her mission?

• She was euthanized for research

• She lived in a zoo

• She was adopted by a scientist

• She was sent on another mission

What was the outcome of the second cat's mission?

• The cat returned safely

• The rocket exploded

• It was successful

• The mission was canceled

How was Félicette honored in 2017?

• A new species was named after her

• A statue was erected

• A movie was made about her

• A book was written

What did Félicette's mission help scientists understand?

• The effects of space travel on human emotions

• The risks and challenges of human space travel

• The possibility of life on other planets

• The best materials for building spacecraft