What was the name of the first primate successfully launched into space?

The first ever primate astronaut was Albert, a rhesus monkey, who on June 11, 1948, rode to over 63 km (39 mi) on a V2 rocket. Albert died of suffocation during the flight and never reached the Karman line of 100km.

However, Albert was followed by Albert II, another Rhesus Monkey, who survived the V2 flight but died on impact on June 14, 1949, after a parachute failure. Albert II became the first monkey in space as his flight reached 134 km (83 mi) - past the Kármán line of 100 km taken to designate the beginning of space.

Martine, a Pig Tailed Macaque, was the first primate the French launched into space in 1967.

Abrek and Bion were launched by the Russians in 1983 aboard Bion 6.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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20 Comments

Ian Swindale

Yet another example if more examples were needed of experiments with primates that probably achieved very little. We really don't seem to give a damn about our nearest ancestors. I'm bound to get a lot of negative criticism for this but I make no apology.

Duke Johns

I don’t consider it successful if the primate died before safely returning.

Hermanus

Albert 1 didn't make the Karman line of 100km which indicates the beginning of space. He only made 46-63km. Albert 2 made it to 134km.

JRW

Duke Johns, you took the words right out of my mouth!

Emm Yo

Cruel. Absolutely brutally cruel.

Coral Harvey

It's never a success to launch an innocent sentient being ti it's almost certain death. I can only conclude that humans really don't deserve a place on the primal ladder in the animal kingdom If humans wish to experiment with animals in such a reckless manner then they should have the confidence to launch themselves. Animals have the right to not be exploited or harmed in human pursuits.