Kanishka Vohra
Space exploration is one of the most exciting feats of human achievement. From the first human-made spacecraft to the launch of the Space Shuttle, to the International Space Station, to the development of space probes, space exploration has come a long way in the last few decades. Along with the many scientific instruments and tools that have been launched into space, there have also been some more unusual artifacts. Here is a list of ten of the weirdest and most amazing artifacts that have been launched into space.
1. The Olympic Torch – In 1996, the Olympic torch was taken to space as part of the 20th anniversary of the Olympic Games. It was carried aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour and was carried out in a spacewalk by two astronauts. This was the first time that an Olympic torch had been taken to space, and the symbolism of the event was seen as a tribute to the spirit of humanity’s exploration of the universe.
2. The Golden Record – In 1977, the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes were launched with a special golden record attached to them. This record was intended to communicate information about the Earth and humanity to any extraterrestrial lifeforms that might one day find the probes. The record contains a selection of sounds, music, and images, including a message from then-President of the United States, Jimmy Carter.
3. The Space Pen – In 1968, the Fisher Space Pen was the first pen to be sent to space. Before the invention of the space pen, astronauts had to use pencils in space, which posed a risk of floating off and causing damage to equipment. The space pen was designed to be able to write in zero gravity and in other extreme conditions.
4. The Bible – In 1997, the Bible was sent to space aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. The book of Genesis was read aloud by astronaut Robert Cabana, and the entire Bible was placed on a CD-ROM. This was the first time that a Bible had been taken to space.
5. A Rubik’s Cube – In 1985, the first Rubik’s Cube was sent to space aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. Astronaut Bonnie Dunbar solved the cube in 3 minutes and 22 seconds, setting a history that stands to this day.
6. A Piece of Moon Rock – In 1969, a piece of moon rock was taken to space aboard the Apollo 11 mission. The rock, known as the “Goodwill Moon Rock,” was presented to the leaders of various nations as a symbol of peace and goodwill.
7. A Piece of the Berlin Wall – In 1990, a piece of the Berlin Wall was taken to space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. The piece was presented to the citizens of the newly reunified Germany as a symbol of hope and freedom.
8. A Guitar – In 2001, a guitar was taken to space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Astronaut and mission specialist Michael Foale strummed the guitar in zero gravity and even managed to play a tune.
9. A Piece of the Taj Mahal – In 1984, a piece of the Taj Mahal was taken to space aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. The piece was presented to the citizens of India as a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
10. A Piece of the Great Wall of China – In 2003, a piece of the Great Wall of China was taken to space aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. The piece was presented to the citizens of China as a symbol of the country’s long and proud history.
These artifacts serve as reminders of the amazing achievements that mankind has made in the field of space exploration. They are also symbols of the spirit of human exploration and our desire to continue pushing the boundaries of space exploration. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that more strange and amazing artifacts will be sent to space in the future.
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