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Artemis II Crew's Music Reveals Their Human Side
10 Aug
Summary
- Astronaut wake-up songs span decades of space exploration history.
- Artemis II crew's playlist featured personal choices from family.
- Music choices highlighted astronauts as relatable, ordinary people.

Since the dawn of space travel, carefully curated wake-up songs have been integral to Mission Control's strategy for awakening astronauts. This tradition began in December 1965 with a parody song for the Gemini 6 crew, setting the stage for a rich history of musical choices.
Over the decades, astronaut playlists have featured classic hits like Elton John's "Rocket Man" and David Bowie's "Space Oddity." However, the Artemis II mission introduced a more personal touch, with songs chosen by the crew and their loved ones, reflecting their everyday tastes.
Songs like the Freddy Jones Band's "In a Daydream," played on day three of the Artemis II mission, highlight the astronauts' humanity. Their playlist choices demonstrate a connection to ordinary life, suggesting that inspiring exploration starts with a positive start to the day.