Even Ultimate Cat Lovers Don’t Know These Feline Facts

France Sent The First Cat Into Space

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In 1963, France tried really hard to keep up with their American and Russian counterparts in the space race. With the first chimps and humans in orbit having already happened, the Centre national d’études decided to send the first cat into space!

Nicknamed “Astrocat,” Félicette the cat was launched 130 miles into orbit on a liquid-fueled French Véronique AG1 rocket on October 24, 1963. Fécilette was chosen only after the first cat Félix went missing.