Soviet Space Medicine Program Established

In 1951, the Soviet Scientific Research Testing Institute of Aviation Medicine launched a systematic research program on spaceflight physiology. Initiated by Sergei Korolev's directive and drawing on Pavlovian physiology, researchers studied pressurized cabin requirements, life support systems, and the effects of acceleration and weightlessness. On July 22, 1951, dogs Dezik and Tsygan became animals to reach space and return alive after a suborbital flight from Kapustin Yar, providing data on biological responses to spaceflight conditions.