Laika

In memory of Laika, who watches over us from the stars.

On November 3, 1957, Laika was sent to space via Sputnik II, making her the first living being in low orbit. Laika was a curious stray dog from Moscow, and according to the scientists who worked with her, she was barking a lot—hence her name. Unfortunately, de-orbit had not been developed back in 1957, and Laika was never expected to return alive.

In 2021, I was approached by the University of Innsbruck for their upcoming space exploration card game SEEKER CHRONICLES, and they gave me the honor to interpret this sensitive topic for it. The project leader, PhD Poulsen Nautrup, is a dog owner and was especially touched by my interpretation of Laika.

SEEKER CHRONICLES is expected to launch their Kickstarter in spring 2024. Sign up for the pre-launch here -> https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/onestone-studios/seeker-chronicles
As well as that, you find out more about it via their website: https://www.seeker-chronicles.com/

I am really proud to be part of this amazing project. I welcome projects that bring science closer to a broader audience through art and games.

Today, I wanted to surprise you with signed prints but the company I ordered the first batch with ruined the colours and bent the edges. The new order hasn't arrived yet so my idea to launch a print shop at this date failed, too. :[ Eh, I will keep you updated as soon as I receive prints that meet my expectation for quality and color!

See the concepts, the card on my public Patreon post -> https://www.patreon.com/posts/laika-in-space-92211871