USS Laika project

This is what I first envisaged the USS Laika to look like - based on memory of TOS. The idea was to create a "prop" for exhibitions that the club might attend. As with most things it develops as you get more into it. A very animated discussion ensued when I presented this to other Starbase personnel.

While I had initially envisaged making the whole thing from wood, the suggestion was raised that it might be easier to convert a caravan, which would be easier to store (outdoors), would require less work, and would already be waterproof and supplied with some life support systems (kitchen!).

So don't be too surprised if you see a reasonable facsimile of a Type 15 shuttlecraft trundling around the East Anglia area in the not-too-distant future!

As for the name? Well, it seemed a shame that the first Earth being into space should not, in some way, be honored for the sacrifice made on behalf of humanity. Laika was a Russian dog, launched to test the viability of Soyuz life support systems, paving the way for Yuri Gagarin to be successfully launched and retrieved from space. She died with her ship.

Lt. John Borda, Science Section, Starbase 410