NASA’s Artemis II mission, currently journeying beyond the Moon, is not only advancing space exploration but also reviving a cherished tradition of playing wakeup songs for astronauts. This practice dates back to the Apollo missions and serves as a way to boost crew morale and connect them to Earth through music during their long journey.
On the sixth day of flight, the Artemis II crew made history by surpassing the distance record set by Apollo 13 in 1970, traveling more than 248,655 miles from Earth. To mark this milestone, Mission Control in Houston played “Good Morning” by the late Grammy-winning artist Mandisa as the wakeup call. The song choice resonated deeply, providing comfort and a sense of home for the astronauts as they orbited far from Earth.
The wakeup songs on Artemis II cover a variety of genres and artists, reflecting both the crew’s preferences and the mission’s spirit. Earlier days featured tracks like Young & Sick’s cover of Passion Pit’s “Sleepyhead,” John Legend’s “Green Light” featuring André 3000, Freddy Jones Band’s “In a Daydream,” Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” and CeeLo Green’s “Working Class Heroes (Work).” Each selection is broadcast live from Mission Control to help start the astronauts’ day positively and maintain a link with their loved ones and supporters.
This musical tradition extends far beyond Artemis II. During Apollo missions, astronauts received wakeup calls including Frank Sinatra’s “It’s Nice to Go Trav’ling” on Apollo 10 and the theme from “2001: A Space Odyssey” on Apollo 15. The Space Shuttle program continued this custom with personalized song choices such as “Drops of Jupiter” for STS-134 pilot Greg Johnson and Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” on STS-135, the final shuttle mission. These songs often came with messages or dedications from family members or friends, blending personal connections with the extraordinary experience of spaceflight.
Mandisa Hundley, whose song welcomed Artemis II on its record-breaking day, was known for inspiring hope through her music. A Top 10 finalist on American Idol Season 5, she became a celebrated artist in Contemporary Christian and Gospel music before her passing in April 2024. Her song “Good Morning” playing nearly a quarter-million miles from Earth symbolizes resilience and optimism—qualities vital for deep space exploration.
As Artemis II continues its lunar observations before returning to Earth, the use of music remains a meaningful thread linking past space missions with current achievements. For the astronauts aboard Orion, these wakeup calls are more than just songs; they are reminders of humanity’s shared journey into the cosmos and the enduring spirit of exploration that drives it.
