Moon music: A Cosmic Blend of Positivity and Tradition
NASA's Artemis 2 mission, while focused on scientific objectives, also embraces a touch of whimsy. One such delightful tradition is the selection of 'wakeup songs' for the astronauts, a practice dating back to the Apollo years. These songs, played by Mission Control at designated times, serve as a positive start to the day for the crew.
The Artemis 2 crew has been treated to a diverse range of tunes, from the upbeat 'Sleepyhead' by Young & Sick on Flight Day 1 to the groovy 'Green Light' by John Legend (feat. André 3000) on Flight Day 2. Flight Day 3 brought the dreamy 'In a Daydream' by Freddy Jones Band, while Flight Day 4 featured the catchy 'Pink Pony Club' by Chappell Roan. Flight Day 5 was a tribute to working-class heroes with 'Working Class Heroes (Work)' by CeeLo Green, and Flight Day 6 kicked off with 'Good Morning' by Mandisa and TobyMac.
What's fascinating about this tradition is its historical roots. The Apollo missions had their own unique wakeup calls, like the Frank Sinatra classic 'It's Nice to Go Trav'ling' for Apollo 10 and the iconic '2001: A Space Odyssey' theme for Apollo 15. The space shuttle program also embraced this custom, with heartwarming moments like STS-134 Pilot Greg Johnson's son choosing 'Drops of Jupiter' for his dad, and the second-to-last shuttle mission, STS-135, featuring 'Il Mio Pensiero' by Ligabue for mission specialist Roberto Vittori.
The space shuttle's final mission, STS-135, also had a special touch. Pilot Doug Hurley selected Coldplay's 'Viva la Vida' and later, 'Don't Panic' for another day. R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe even sent an a capella version of 'Man on the Moon' for the crew, adding a personal and whimsical touch.
This tradition is not just about music; it's about creating a positive and engaging atmosphere in space. The wakeup songs are a way to start the day with a smile, and the astronauts' interactions with Mission Control showcase a unique blend of professionalism and fun. The document containing these wakeup calls and banter is a testament to the human side of space exploration, where even the smallest details contribute to a memorable and meaningful experience.
In my opinion, this practice is a beautiful way to humanize the space mission, bringing a sense of warmth and positivity to the astronauts' daily lives. It's a reminder that even in the vastness of space, a little bit of music and a touch of whimsy can go a long way in making the experience more enjoyable and memorable.
