September 2, 2014

Soviet space dogs – in pictures

Soviet Space Dogs is a new book dedicated to the canine space explorers who skyrocketed from living on Moscow’s streets to astronomical, global fame

Laika clockwork toy packaging, West Germany (1958-1965) — Children’s toy packaging from West Germany in the late 50s shows Laika, the first space dog Photograph: Fuel Publishing/Marianne Van den Lemmer

Laika Matchbox label, USSR (c.1957) — A matchbox label from 1957 show Laika. The text translates as The First Sputnik Passenger – the dog Laika Photograph: Fuel Publishing

Belka Strelka postcard, USSR (1960) — This postcard from 1960 shows Belka and Strelka in a photomontage by the artist Sveshnikov. The flags spell out Happy New Year Photograph: Fuel Publishing

ZVEZDOCHKA TIN Confectionery tin, USSR (1961) A tin with a portrait of Zvezdochka. Text reads 'Zvezdochka'. — This Zvezdochka Confectionery tin from 1961 shows a portrait of space dog Zvezdochka Photograph: Fuel Publishing/Marianne Van den Lemmer

Laike Postcard, USSR (1958) — A portrait of Laika by the artist E. Gundobin is seen on a postcard, with the first three Sputniks in the background Photograph: Fuel Publishing

Kozyafka Postcard, Italy (c.1960). A postcard with an image of Kozyavka. — A postcard produced in Italy around 1960 shows an image of Kozyavka the space dog Photograph: Fuel Publishing/Marianne Van den Lemmer

Belka and Strelka press postcard, USSR (1960) — This photograph of Belka and Strelka was taken at the dogs’ first press conference in 1960 and printed onto a postcard Photograph: Fuel Publishing

Belka Strelka poster, USSR (1960) — A 1960 space propaganda poster by the artist K. Ivanov. The text translates as The way is open to man! and depicts Belka and Strelka Photograph: Fuel Publishing

Belka Strelka confectionery tin, USSR (1960) — Confectionery tins were used as propaganda too. This 1960 tin, given to guests of the New Year’s Eve party at the Kremlin, shows Belka and Strelka Photograph: Fuel Publishing/Marianne Van den Lemmer

Galperin cover. 'The Adventures of Belka and Strelka' children's book cover, USSR (1961) — Illustrated by Yuri Galperin, this 1961 childrens book is titled The Adventures of Belka and Strelka Photograph: Fuel Publishing

Matchbox label, USSR (1959) — A matchbox label from 1959 from the Borisovsky Works Photograph: Fuel Publishing/Marianne Van den Lemmer

Leave a Comment Cancel comment