Rock and roll are definitely in the vocabulary of the SpaceX astronauts as they listen to AC/DC while preparing for their momentous launch to the International Space Station.
It was revealed that the SpaceX launch was originally set to take place on Wednesday, May 27, but was pushed to May 30. This instance made the astronauts Bob Behnken, and Doug Hurley choose to track the unpaved road and select to play AC/DC’s Back in Black from the wide array of space and astronaut-themed songs.
According to the astronauts, the reason behind this selection is that they themselves were ‘back’ after the launch was initially postponed due to the inclement weather.point 267 |
They enjoyed listening to this song while they were on their way to the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon crew capsule, the very device that would carry them into space.point 133 | point 135 | 1
In coverage of CNN, reporter John Berman even applauded this choice. He said:
“We were told the astronauts listened to Back in Black from AC/DC on their way to the rocket. In that vein let’s just say, for those about to launch, we salute you.”
The AC/DC song Back in Black was just one of the awesome songs in the pre-launch playlist of the astronauts. They also shared that they selected The Blue Brother’s rendition of The Girl From Ipanema, along with the nation’s anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, the version of the French horn section of the US Army Field Band.
Even the spectators of the launch did not hesitate to share their thoughts about the astronauts’ playlist. One of the comments was:
‘SpaceX astronauts rolling up to launch site in the back of a Model X blasting AC/DC is such a hard flex.’
Another one shared:
‘So the astronauts get to pick the playlist for when they’re being driven to the launchpad. the first song Bob & Doug picked was Back in Black.’
‘I’m sorry, but you’ll never be as badass as 2 astronauts, in space suits, in a NASA Tesla, listening to AC/DC on the drive to a rocket.’
The SpaceX launch was historic for NASA because for the first time they used a private company to transport one of its crews to orbit, hence, ever since the retirement of NASA’s space shuttles in 2011, this is the first for the US to launch astronauts to the ISS.point 462 |
And if they may add, a successful one.point 31 | The rocket lifted from the launch pad at 15:22 ET on May 30 and docked the International Space Station on May 31.point 123 | point 125 | 1
Hurley did not let this opportunity pass to express his gratitude. He said:
“It was incredible … appreciate all the hard work and thanks for the great ride to space.”
Also, he wanted to thank NASA and SpaceX for ‘the first human ride for Falcon 9’.