The confines of space, a territory of mysteries and discoveries, also became a place for unusual items.
Amid scientific missions and space explorations, some curious objects were sent to the spacecreating fascinating and sometimes unexpected stories.
Bizarre items in space
When we explore space, we take with us not just scientific equipment, but items that reflect our culture and curiosities.
Three of these objects, sent on space missions, stand out for their uniqueness.
1. LEGO Toys
Image: andraberila/pixabay
A partnership between LEGO and NASA resulted in sending LEGO toys into space. During the Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-133, toys were sent as part of the “Building and Exploring Our Future” project.
The objective was to encourage children’s interest in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Another deployment occurred with the STS-134 mission, where the crew assembled LEGO models on the International Space Station to demonstrate space management in a low-gravity environment.
2. Human ashes
Image: kevron2001/Canva Pro
Celestis, a space funeral services company, sent the ashes of geologist Eugene M. Shoemaker to the Moon in 1999, on the Luna 01 mission.
Shoemaker, known as the father of planetary science, had his ashes buried in a lunar crater by NASA’s Lunar Prospector probe.
Another notable mission was Luna 02, which planned to carry DNA samples from science fiction writer Arthur C.
Clarke. In 2021, the Peregrine module was expected to transport the ashes of 60 people to the Lacus Mortis area on the Moon.
Additionally, the ashes of James Doohan, Mr. Scott’sStar Trek‘, were sent on several missions, including a future trip to the Sun’s orbit.
3. Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber
Image: Allstar/LucasFilm/Reproduction
In a tribute to the 30th anniversary of the ‘Star Wars’ franchise, the Space Shuttle Discovery’s STS-120 mission in 2007 carried a memorable piece: the lightsaber original used by Luke Skywalker (played by Mark Hamill) in ‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope’.
Commander Pam Melroy and pilot George Zamka led the seven-person crew responsible for delivering the Harmony module to the ISS.
This trip symbolized the cultural impact of ‘Star Wars‘, uniting science fiction and space exploration.
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