First Pig To Fly
In 1909, a pig (subsequently named Icarus) became the first pig to fly in an airplane.
However, as far as I know a pig has never gone beyond the atmosphere into space. I know this because I once briefly had the idea of writing a book titled Pigs in Space about the history of animals in space. But I abandoned the idea when I couldn't find any record of pigs in space. The closest I found was when, in 2005, the Chinese sent some pig sperm into space. I didn't think Pig Sperm in Space would work as a title.
More info about the flying pig: londonist.com
However, as far as I know a pig has never gone beyond the atmosphere into space. I know this because I once briefly had the idea of writing a book titled Pigs in Space about the history of animals in space. But I abandoned the idea when I couldn't find any record of pigs in space. The closest I found was when, in 2005, the Chinese sent some pig sperm into space. I didn't think Pig Sperm in Space would work as a title.
More info about the flying pig: londonist.com
image source: waymarking.com
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix - Nov 25, 1909
Comments
“Pig Sperm in Space” sounds like either the worst sci-fi or worst porno ever.
Posted by Brian on 01/29/22 at 03:57 PM
@Brian -- Why not both?
@Alex -- "Pigs in Space" was a recurring skit on The Muppet Show. Besides any possible trademark problems, a lot of people might have been disappointed if they'd bought your book thinking it was the further adventures of Link Hogthrob and the beautiful Miss Piggy.
@Alex -- "Pigs in Space" was a recurring skit on The Muppet Show. Besides any possible trademark problems, a lot of people might have been disappointed if they'd bought your book thinking it was the further adventures of Link Hogthrob and the beautiful Miss Piggy.
Posted by Phideaux on 01/29/22 at 05:51 PM
@Phideaux -- Yeah, I was very aware of the Muppet skit. Recognizing now in hindsight that the title would probably have been a bad idea, at the time I imagined it as a playful reference to the Muppet skit, while delving into the actual science of pigs in space. The larger context was that the book was supposed to be a sequel to my book "Elephants on Acid" and the publisher very specifically wanted another animal-themed title. So "Pigs in Space" seemed to nicely echo "Elephants on Acid". As I said, the whole thing never happened.
Posted by Alex on 01/30/22 at 08:51 AM
OK, forget the pigs. We'll now say "When sperm whales fly."
Although I am curious to know how he picked out an intelligent-looking piglet.
Although I am curious to know how he picked out an intelligent-looking piglet.
Posted by Virtual in Carnate on 01/30/22 at 12:04 PM
@Virtual: when sperm whales fly, they crash into Magrathea. And the pot plant thinks "oh no, not again".
Posted by Richard Bos on 02/03/22 at 12:52 PM
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Category: Animals | Air Travel and Airlines | 1900s