David Nield shares the story of the first “catstronaut.” On October 18, 1963, Félicette headed to space and landed safely by parachute after a trip of under 20 minutes. The Véronique rocket carrying her climbed to an altitude of more than 93 miles and experienced five minutes of weightlessness.
Source: Nautilus, October 21, 2026. Link. [9:33] According to French archives, Félicette stayed calm and composed throughout the flight, which the mission scientists chalked up to her extensive training. Her expedition was commemorated with postcards, stamps, and a statue that now stands at the International Space University in Strasbourg.
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