Félicette
Image of Félicette with the implanted electrode visible on her forehead. Inscription: "Thank you for your participation in my success of 18 October 1963" | |
| Other name(s) | C 341 |
|---|---|
| Species | Felis catus |
| Sex | Female |
| Died | 1963 |
| Nation from | France |
| Known for | The only cat launched into space |
| Owner | French government |
| Weight | 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) |
| Appearance | Tuxedo cat |
| Named after | Felix the Cat |
Félicette (French pronunciation: [felisɛt]) was a stray Parisian cat that became the first feline launched into space on 18 October 1963 as part of the French space program. She was one of 14 female cats trained for spaceflight. The cats had electrodes implanted into their skulls to monitor their neurological activity throughout the flight. During the flight, electrical impulses were applied to the brain and a leg to stimulate responses. The capsule was recovered 13 minutes after the rocket was ignited. Most of the data from the mission was of good quality, and Félicette survived the flight but was euthanised two months later for the examination of her brain.
Félicette was designated C 341 before the flight, and after the flight, the media gave her the name Félix, after Félix the Cat. Centre d'Enseignement et de Recherches de Médecine Aéronautique (CERMA) modified this to the feminine Félicette and adopted it as her official name. Postage stamps worldwide commemorated her, and a statue with her likeness is on display at the International Space University. France's feline biological rocket payloads were preceded by rats and followed by monkeys.