The Silent Pioneers: The Tragedy of Space Monkeys

Six monkeys died so humans could go to space. Before astronauts existed, space was a

death question. No one knew if a living body could survive the launch.

Military chose rhesus monkeys because their bodies were close to ours. Instead of risking

humans, they sent monkeys on V-2 missions. Albert One launched in

1948. He suffocated before reaching space. Albert Two reached space but died

when the parachute failed. Albert Three rocket exploded. Albert Four capsule

crashed on return. Albert Five and Six followed. Both died because machines failed.

They were strapped into tiny metal capsules, unable to move. Shot into the