In 1960, NASA launched rhesus monkey Miss Sam to test Mercury's escape system, and she reached 1,800 mph and 9 miles, then returned in overall good condition

Miss Sam, a rhesus monkey, played a pivotal role in NASA's launch escape system testing, demonstrating the system's ability to safely eject the capsule. Her successful mission was essential in building the groundwork for American astronauts venturing into space. Such pioneering animal missions, including Miss Sam's, significantly advanced the research on crew safety for subsequent space expeditions.