Chinese Space Dogs

Russia was not the only country to employ dogs in space exploration. (See Russian Space Dogs)

Two dogs were launched on T-7 sounding rockets and safely recovered. The first was a male, Xiao Bao (Little Leopard) on 15 July 1966. The second was a female, Shan Shan (Coral) on 28 July 1966.

Shan Shan (left, Xiao Bao (right)
Credit: South China Morning Post

Unlike their fellow travelers (rats and mice), they were not dissected upon recovery. Both were puppies at the time of their flight.

There was also a dog (and a monkey and a rabbit) aboard the Shenzhou 2 descent module. Fate of the animals is unknown.

 

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Page last modified: 05 March 2026 08:16:11.