Laika Moscow Monument (Portion)

thingiverse

This print was made possible by Photogrammetry Crowdsourcing. Thanks go to: Alexei17, Grindcore_Joe & ivann_vanovv for capturing photos of the monument that helped create this model.\r\n\r\nI took this model as far as my skills and free Photogrammetry software could take it. I welcome any remixes that clean up the details or bring out new features!\r\n\r\nLaika made history by becoming the first animal to orbit the planet. Laika was chosen more for her endearing puppy dog eyes than her intelligence, knowing that scientists in Russia recognized that people worldwide would identify with them. They were right, and soon Laika gained international attention.\r\n\r\nThe lovable little dog underwent training and was fitted with a space suit before being launched into space on November 3, 1957. The Sputnik 2 craft carrying Laika made over 2,000 orbits around the Earth before disintegrating upon reentry. According to the Russian government, Laika died in space either due to oxygen deprivation or planned euthanization. It wasn't until 2002 that they revealed Laika had actually died within hours of launch from overheating. Regardless, she became a legendary hero.\r\n\r\nIronically, the famous dog didn't receive her own monument in Moscow until 2008. The small monument near a military research station is shaped like an abstract rocket that morphs into a hand cradling Laika towards the stars. If only her actual fate had been as peaceful.