SpaceX astronauts prepared for historic launch by blasting out AC/DC

Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley
Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley (Image credit: Joe Raedle - Getty)

On Saturday, SpaceX made history when they launched astronauts into orbit for the very first time. 

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley were onboard the Crew Dragon capsule on top of the Falcon 9 rocket when it blasted-off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. 

Saturday’s launch came after bad weather prevented the initial lift-off on May 27 – and it’s emerged that on their way to the launch pad last Wednesday, the pair had a playlist which included AC/DC classic Back In Black.

SpaceX commentator Lauren Lyons explained that Behnken and Hurley chose the track because it had been nine years since astronauts launched from launch pad 39A at the facility to make the point that “they are back,” according to Space.com.

We can only assume the same playlist was used when the astronauts prepared for Saturday’s launch.

It’s also emerged that on Sunday, ahead of the capsule’s docking procedure with the International Space Station, Behnken and Hurley were woken by the gentle, psychedelic sounds of Black Sabbath’s Planet Caravan. Space.com say the song was specifically chosen by the pair as they’re big Sabbath fans.

Behnken and Hurley are expected to spend up to four months onboard the ISS before returning home.

Scott Munro
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Scott has spent 35 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott keeps Louder’s buyer’s guides up to date, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more for Louder. Over the last 10 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, The Tragically Hip, Marillion and Rush.