13 Weirdest Objects Sent to Space

Space exploration has always fascinated humanity, not only for the scientific discoveries but also for the unusual objects that have found their way into the cosmos. Over the years, astronauts and space missions have carried a variety of weird and wonderful items beyond our atmosphere, from pop culture memorabilia to unique scientific experiments. These oddities in space reflect our curiosity, creativity, and the blending of science fiction with reality. Here are 13 of the weirdest objects ever sent to space, each with its own intriguing story.

Tesla Roadster 

In 2018, SpaceX launched Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster into space aboard the Falcon Heavy rocket. This red sports car, with a mannequin dubbed “Starman” in the driver’s seat, now orbits the sun. The launch was a demonstration of the Falcon Heavy’s capabilities, and the Roadster has become a unique piece of space history. Its journey through space provides data on the durability of materials in the harsh environment. The car even has a “Don’t Panic” sign on the dashboard, a nod to Douglas Adams’ “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”

Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber 

A prop lightsaber from the “Star Wars” franchise flew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 2007. This iconic movie artifact traveled to the International Space Station (ISS) to celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Star Wars.” It was a tribute to the cultural impact of the series and a nod to the dreams of space travel it inspired. The lightsaber’s journey symbolizes the blending of science fiction and reality. After its mission, it was returned to Earth and displayed in a museum.

Tardigrades 

In 2019, tiny microscopic creatures known as tardigrades, or water bears, were sent to the moon aboard the Beresheet lander. These resilient organisms can survive extreme conditions, including the vacuum of space. The mission aimed to study their adaptability and resilience in extraterrestrial environments. Tardigrades are famous for their ability to enter a state of suspended animation. This experiment helps scientists understand the potential for life to survive beyond Earth.

Corned Beef Sandwich 

In 1965, astronaut John Young smuggled a corned beef sandwich aboard Gemini 3. This unexpected snack caused crumbs to float around in the zero-gravity environment, posing a potential hazard. The sandwich’s presence highlighted the challenges of eating traditional food in space. NASA quickly implemented stricter regulations on food items after this incident. Young’s corned beef sandwich remains a humorous anecdote in the history of space exploration.

Golf Balls 

Astronaut Alan Shepard famously hit two golf balls on the moon during the Apollo 14 mission in 1971. Using a makeshift six-iron club, he took swings in the lunar gravity. This playful act demonstrated the lighter side of space missions and human curiosity. The golf balls’ journey into space is a testament to the astronauts’ ingenuity and spirit. Shepard’s lunar golf shots are still a memorable moment in space history.

LEGO Figurines

In 2011, NASA’s Juno mission to Jupiter carried three LEGO figurines representing Galileo, the Roman god Jupiter, and his wife Juno. These mini-figures were specially designed to withstand space conditions. Their inclusion aimed to engage children and promote interest in space exploration. The figurines represent the scientific and mythological aspects of Jupiter. This creative approach to science education brings space closer to the public.

Golden Records

The Voyager spacecraft, launched in 1977, carried golden records containing sounds and images of Earth. These records were intended to communicate the story of our world to potential extraterrestrial civilizations. The contents include music, greetings in multiple languages, and natural sounds. The records are a time capsule of human culture and achievement. They continue to travel through space, carrying our message into the cosmos.

Buzz Lightyear Toy 

A 12-inch action figure of Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story” flew to the ISS in 2008. This educational initiative was a collaboration between NASA and Disney. The toy spent over a year in space, participating in educational videos for children. Buzz’s mission aimed to inspire kids to learn about space and science. The toy’s adventure reflects the spirit of exploration and imagination.

Pizza Delivery 

In 2001, Pizza Hut delivered a pizza to the ISS, making it the first pizza sent to space. The company paid for the promotional stunt, which involved special packaging to keep the pizza fresh. The delivery highlighted the advancements in space food technology. Astronaut Yuri Usachov enjoyed the pizza as part of his space diet. This unique delivery showcased the potential for more diverse food options in space.

Yoda’s Statue 

In 2015, a small statue of Yoda from “Star Wars” was sent to the ISS aboard a cargo resupply mission. This figurine joined the astronauts to inspire interest in space and science fiction. Yoda’s presence on the ISS bridged the gap between popular culture and scientific achievement. The statue served as a reminder of the power of imagination and storytelling. It highlighted the enduring legacy of the “Star Wars” franchise.

Red Wine 

In 2019, twelve bottles of Bordeaux wine were sent to the ISS to study the effects of microgravity on the aging process. This experiment aimed to understand how space conditions impact fermentation and wine chemistry. The wine spent a year in orbit before returning to Earth for analysis. The findings could have implications for food and beverage production in space. This unusual cargo highlights the intersection of science and luxury.

Cheese Wheel 

SpaceX’s first Dragon capsule carried a wheel of cheese into space in 2010. This humorous payload was a tribute to the British comedy show “Monty Python’s Flying Circus.” The cheese was selected as a playful nod to the show’s famous cheese shop sketch. Its journey marked a milestone for SpaceX’s commercial space missions. The cheese wheel’s trip to space showcases the lighter side of space exploration.

A 3D-Printed Ratchet Wrench 

In 2014, astronauts on the ISS received a 3D-printed ratchet wrench designed on Earth and printed in space. This marked the first time a tool was designed on Earth and manufactured in space. The experiment demonstrated the potential for on-demand manufacturing in space missions. It reduces the need to carry a large inventory of tools. This innovation is a step toward sustainable space exploration.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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