Did cats go into space

France is the only country that launched cats into space experimentally.

Felix and Félicette were apparently two street cats in the program, with Felix being the feline chosen to undertake the first mission. According to one report, Felix escaped the flight and was replaced by the female cat Félicette. On October 18, 1963, the cat blasted off in a special capsule on top of French Véronique AGI sounding rocket No. 47.

The cat did not actually go into orbit, but traveled 100-130 miles into space. Throughout the flight electrodes transmitted neurological impulses back to Earth. After approximately 15 minutes, the capsule separated and the pod, with cat inside, descended by parachute and was rescued.

A second flight occurred on October 24, with another cat. There were problems with the recovery, and the unfortunate traveler died.