Are animals that are sent into space ever returned to earth?

Answer 1

Yes, they are. Animals are sent to space for various reserch purposes, and examined upon return. Not returning them will undermine the very purpose of sending them in the first place.

One of the answers above says that they are not returned if they are sent alone. It happens only if something goes wrong; but at all times they are intended to return. For example, russians sent a couple of dogs to space before launching the first human. When the dogs safely returned, it was concluded that it is safe to send a human being. Not returning the dogs to check on them would have made no experimental sense.

Sadly, as you know, humans not always return; the same applies to animals. For instance, space shuttle "Columbia" had on board several laboratory rats returning to Earth together with the astronauts. We know the end of that story...

Answer 2

Worms sent to space have returned to Earth before.

Answer 3

Some have been returned and some have not. The first dog in space, Laika, was not returned and died in space. Ham the chimpanzee that flew in a Mercury capsule before Allan Shepard, was returned. These are just two examples, other animals have flown.

Answer 4

Back in the 1950's the Ammericans sent both a monkey and a dog into space , at separate times, and they both returned.

Answer 5

Each one has been returned.

Answer 6

Not if they are sent alone

Answer 7

Don't know. Ask an astronaut.

Answer 8

OMG I hope I never hear they don't come back!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 9

no