Animals in SpaceA long time ago, no one thought you could send people into space, much less animals. The researchers then decided to take a risk and start sending the animals into orbit. From that point on, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration began conducting experiments on animals. Scientists send animals into space to determine human reactions to microgravity, monitor eating habits, and record unusual behaviors (http://www.nasa.gov/audience/Animals_in_space). Scientists decided to send animals into space to study how microgravity affects animals. and whether it might cause strange behavior. They would test the effects of weightlessness on a mammal and discover how solar radiation affects the body. The researchers did this, so when the time comes to send humans into space, they can compare the results and reactions of both. NASA has decided to send animals into space only when necessary. Both the United States and the Soviets competed to see if either country could send an organism into space and bring it back unharmed. When choosing various animals, scientists had to ensure that the animals met special requirements. NASA chose to start collecting smaller animals such as rats and rabbits, and then move on to dogs. All pets need to be vaccinated against things like rabies, worms and fleas. They must also have impeccable health care, such as passing physical tests and having no health defects. Even several animals cannot be too young; they must be fully developed. Smaller animals, such as rats, must travel...... middle of paper..." Google Books. Praxis Publishing, July 5, 2007. Web. March 24, 2014. Cain, Fraser. "What Was the First Animal in Space?" Universe Today RSS. Np, February 13, 2009. Web. March 27, 2014. Dohrer, Elizabeth. "Laika the Dog and the First Animals in Space." Space.com. Livescience, September 25, 2012 Web. March 21, 2014. Dunbar, Brian. “Animals in Space: 10 Beastly Tales.” LiveScience, January 29, 2013. Web. March 21, 2014. Gray, Tara “Animals in Space.” NASA, August 2, 2004. Web “Iran Reports Sending Another Monkey into Space.” The New York Times, December 14, 2013. Web. March 28, 2014. Kramer, Miriam “Russia Launches Animals into Space. " Network, 19 April 2013. Web. 21 March. 2014.