But both of them, among several others in the USA and SU, risked their lives in the 1960s to make the dream of manned space flight a reality. Not all survived.

But both of them, among several others in the USA and SU, risked their lives in the 1960s to make the dream of manned space flight a reality. Not all survived. They trained hard and took the greatest risks to significantly advance our knowledge of space and space flight. They actively flew their craft and actively managed their missions. Even mammals played a major role in the advancement of space science, starting from the 1940s. The cats, dogs, mice and monkeys played a more passive role than the humans, but they were the scientific instrument though which important scientific data was gathered. Sadly, in the earlier flights most died in the service they provided. Eventually insects, mealworms, turtles and wine flies were launched into space in the 1960s. They, too, provided valuable insights. And then there is Richard. What can be said of Richard and his contribution to the mission, and to science?