Thu Feb 06 12:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Félicette: The First Cat in Space, a Tragic Triumph
**Los Angeles, CA & Chennai, India – February 6, 2025** – A new quiz in *The Hindu* newspaper highlights the story of Félicette, the first cat to journey into space. Launched on October 18, 1963, from the Interarmy Special Vehicles Test Centre in Algeria’s Sahara Desert as part of the French space program, Félicette was one of 14 female cats trained for the mission. Her capsule was recovered a mere 13 minutes after launch. While Félicette survived the flight, she was euthanized two months later to allow scientists to study the effects of space travel on her body. This tragic detail underscores the significant—though ethically questionable—contributions of animals in early space exploration. The quiz also features sections on books, cinema, health, world affairs, technology, and Karnataka news, demonstrating the diverse content offered by *The Hindu*.
First Piper 