First vinyl record played in space

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View video of Jack White’s victory in attempt to play the first vinyl record in space, using custom-built Icarus craft

The Icarus craft plays vinyl in space

The first vinyl record has been played in space after Jack White’s Third Man Records launched a custom-built turntable by balloon.

And he hopes the feat – completed over four years with the help of engineer Kevin Carrico and the Students And Teachers In Near Space organisation – will prove inspirational among music fans.

White last month announced the project as a way to mark his label’s seventh anniversary and third-millionth record pressing.

The Icarus craft reached a height of 94,413 feet while playing a gold-plated disc containing late astrophysicist Carl Sagan’s A Glorious Dawn recording on repeat.

The balloon burst after 81 minutes of flight and Icarus fell to Earth under a parachute – and it was still playing the record when it was recovered.

White said: “Our main goal was to inject imagination and inspiration into the daily discourse of music and vinyl lovers.

“It was exhilarating to do something that hasn’t been done before, and to work towards in completion.”

Martin Kielty
Freelance Online News Contributor

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.