Space Playlist: Artemis II Crew Wakes up to Songs From Home
Can you imagine waking up to a song while traveling to the moon? What music would you choose to accompany you on a space journey? On Artemis II, NASA’s crewed mission that sent four astronauts on a nearly 10-day journey around the moon and back, mornings began with music instead of a standard alarm. Each day featured a different song chosen to mark the moment.
The tradition of waking astronauts with music dates back to 1965, when Gemini VI astronauts woke up to “Hello Dolly” by Jack Jones. For Artemis II, the Orion crew continued the practice with a diverse playlist. Songs included Young & Sick’s cover of “Sleepyhead,” “Working Class Heroes” by CeeLo Green, “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan, “Good Morning” by Mandisa, “Tokyo Drifting” by Glass Animals and Denzel Curry, and “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie. According to Scientific American, several selections held personal meaning for the crew and their families.
Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen said “Under Pressure” stood out for him because his family chose it. Victor Glover said “Good Morning” was meaningful because his wife selected it. Reid Wiseman said “Tokyo Drifting” reminded him of trips to Florida with his daughters. Christina Koch said “Sleepyhead” was her favorite because it accompanied one of her first rest periods inside the spacecraft.
More than just a curious detail, the music playlist turned each wake-up call into a reminder of home, carrying a piece of Earth into lunar orbit.
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1. Which NASA mission featured a diverse morning playlist for the crew?
2. When did the tradition of waking astronauts with music begin officially?
3. Which song reminded Reid Wiseman of trips with his young daughters?
4. Who chose the song "Under Pressure" for astronaut Jeremy Hansen?
1. What specific song would you choose to wake up to space?
2. How can music help people feel connected during long distance travel?
3. Discuss the importance of personal rituals in high stress orbital environments.
4. Should space agencies prioritize psychological comfort as much as mission safety?
Can you imagine waking up to a song while traveling to the moon? What music would you choose to accompany you on a space journey? On Artemis II, NASA’s crewed mission that sent four astronauts on a nearly 10-day journey around the moon and back, mornings began with music instead of a standard alarm. Each day featured a different song chosen to mark the moment.
Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen said “Under Pressure” stood out for him because his family chose it. Victor Glover said “Good Morning” was meaningful because his wife selected it. Reid Wiseman said “Tokyo Drifting” reminded him of trips to Florida with his daughters. Christina Koch said “Sleepyhead” was her favorite because it accompanied one of her first rest periods inside the spacecraft.
