Space: the final frontier, and apparently, a dumping ground for some of the quirkiest items humanity has to offer. From the practical to the downright wacky, we’ve sent all sorts of things into the cosmos. So, buckle up, space enthusiasts, as we count down some of the weirdest things ever launched into the starry abyss!
- A corned beef sandwich
Yes, you read that right. In 1965, astronaut John Young smuggled a corned beef sandwich into space aboard Gemini 3. Crumbs in zero-G? Not the best idea.
- Buzz Lightyear action figure
To infinity and beyond! Buzz Lightyear spent 15 months aboard the International Space Station, probably making him the most travelled toy in history.
- A wheel of cheese
The private spaceflight company SpaceX sent up a wheel of Le Brouere cheese on its maiden voyage. A cheesy stunt, but a gouda 1!
- Ashes of a Star Trek legend
James Doohan, who played Scotty on Star Trek, had his ashes sent to space. It’s only fitting that Scotty got beamed up 1 last time.
- A car
Elon Musk’s personal Tesla Roadster is currently cruising around space, with a mannequin named ‘Starman’ at the wheel. Talk about a joyride!
- A message to aliens
In 1977, Voyager 1 and 2 were launched with Golden Records, which contain sounds and images selected to portray the diversity of life and culture on Earth. It’s like a time capsule, but for extraterrestrials!
- A tardigrade army
Tardigrades (also known as ‘water bears’) are microscopic creatures that can survive just about anything, including the vacuum of space. To help scientists better understand how to protect astronauts during long-duration space travel, these little critters were first launched into space in 2007.
- Art
Several pieces of art have made the journey to space, including a sculpture that’s currently on the moon. Because why not? (Tap here to learn more about the interstellar work of art.)
- Luke Skywalker’s light saber
Yep, really. The original prop from ‘Return of the Jedi’ was flown to the ISS and returned to the Johnson Space Centre in Houston. Sadly, no Jedi battles were reported.
- A meat and potato pie
Pastry in space? Apparently so! A meat and potato pie was sent into space from Roby Mill, Wigan. You have to see it to believe it.
There you have it, folks! The next time you look up at the night sky, just remember that somewhere out there, there’s a piece of cheese orbiting the Earth. And if that doesn’t make you smile, we don’t know what will.
For more out-of-this-world stories and down-to-earth insurance options, float on over to King Price’s website for a commitment-free quote. We’ve got your back with simple cheap insurance and royal service.
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