Cats in Space
Cats in Space Shuttle Windows
Am spending the early hours of this Happy Caturday thinking about the NASA astronauts who recently landed back on Earth and needed to receive medical attention. They are staying quiet on what they’re suffering from. When I feel poorly, I don’t brag about it, either. But am praying for their speedy recovery as well as for the safe return of Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore.
Naturally, this got me thinking about cats in space. Did you know that there actually has been one—and only one—cat who has traveled to space? Yes, you read that right. Truth be told, the cosmic tale of this feline pioneer named Felicette is a bit of a mixed bag.
The Call of Space
In the early 1960s, as the world was buzzing about human space travel, the French government was eager to prove their cosmic chops. After witnessing the U.S. and the Soviets launch dogs into orbit, they decided it was time to get in on the action. Enter Felicette, a black-and-white stray cat from Paris who was about to become the world’s first space cat. Talk about a glow-up!
Felicette was selected for her calm demeanor—ideal for the stressful environment of a rocket launch. Imagine the scene: a bunch of serious scientists in lab coats, a cute little cat lounging on a warm sunny spot, oblivious to her impending adventure. It was a match made in space!
Up, Up, and Away!
On October 18, 1963, Felicette was strapped into a tiny capsule atop a suborbital rocket named Véronique AG1. The mission was short but significant, reaching an altitude of about 156 kilometers (or about 97 miles). As the rocket soared into the heavens, Felicette’s poor little Parisian heart raced. The most exciting part? She became the first cat to experience weightlessness! Talk about a catnip high!
While up there, Felicette’s electrodes monitored her brain activity, giving scientists valuable data about how living creatures react to space. I like to imagine her floating around, thinking, “So this is what it’s like to be a shooting star!”
Touchdown and Beyond
After a successful flight, Felicette returned to Earth, parachuting back down to the ground like a furry astronaut. She was hailed as a hero, though the story doesn’t end quite so glamorously. Sadly, after her mission, Felicette was euthanized for further scientific study—an unfortunate fate that underscores the era’s experimental ethics. But let’s not dwell on the sad part; let’s celebrate the impact she made!
Felicette's legacy has recently received a resurgence of attention, reminding us that even the smallest creatures can contribute to our understanding of the universe. In 2023, a bronze statue of her was unveiled in Paris, ensuring that her name will not be forgotten in the stars—or on the streets of her home city.
The Takeaway
So next time you’re chilling out to your favorite lofi playlists, take a moment to appreciate the boldness and sacrifices of Felicette. She might not have had a keyboard or a guitar, but this little feline was a true trailblazer. As an independent musician, I am humbled by Felicette's courage: sometimes, you just have to take that leap (or float) into the unknown!
May your weekend be out of this world! 🎶✨