Vostok programme it into an even higher orbit. The orbit eventually decayed, and it re-entered the atmosphere several years later. The next six launches were all of the "Vostok 1K" design, equipped with life-support facilities, and planned to be recovered after orbit. The first spacecraft launched on July 28, 1960 carried two space dogs named Chayka and Lisichka. An explosion destroyed the spacecraft shortly after launch, killing both dogs, and the mission was not given a name. The next mission, designated Korabl-Sputnik 2, was launched on August 19, 1960, carrying two more dogs, Belka and Strelka, as well as a variety of
Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR the honorary title "Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR". Georgy Dobrovolsky and Viktor Patsayev, who were killed during the Soyuz 11 reentry, did not receive the title. Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR The honorary title Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR () was a state award of the Soviet Union presented to all cosmonauts who flew for the Soviet Space Agency. Usually accompanying the distinction was the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, the highest title that could be awarded to a Soviet citizen for performing heroic deeds while in service of the state. The title was established by Decree of the Presidium of