In 1977, NASA launched the Voyager mission, an interstellar exploration that aims to tell the story of Earth’s natural wonders and technological achievements to extraterrestrial life. The mission included sending two spacecraft, Voyager 1 and 2, to roam the cosmos, each carrying a golden disc that contains a cornucopia of sounds and images of human civilization. Among these materials is a recording of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” a classic rock tune that has become a symbol of human ingenuity and creativity.
But why did NASA choose a rock song to represent human culture in space? And what does “Johnny B. Goode” really mean in the context of interstellar communication?
The Golden Record: A Time Capsule of Humanity
The idea of including a musical message in an interstellar mission can be traced back to the early days of space exploration. In 1962, the American astronomer Frank Drake proposed the Drake Equation, a mathematical formula that estimates the number of intelligent civilizations in our galaxy that could potentially communicate with Earth. One of the factors in the equation is the length of time that these civilizations have been broadcasting radio signals into space, which led Drake to suggest that humans should start sending messages of our own to the stars.
The idea of a cosmic messaging system gained traction in the 1970s, when NASA commissioned a committee of scientists, artists, and thinkers to create a time capsule of human culture that could be sent aboard the Voyager mission. This time capsule, called the Golden Record, is a 12-inch, gold-plated copper disk that contains 115 images, greetings in 55 languages, and a selection of natural sounds and human music.
The Golden Record was designed to be an interstellar greeting card that would introduce humanity to any intelligent beings that might discover it in the future. The music on the disc includes classical compositions by Bach and Beethoven, folk music from around the world, and, of course, Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.”
“Johnny B. Goode” and the Spirit of Rock and Roll
So why did NASA choose a rock song for the Golden Record? According to Carl Sagan, one of the key architects of the Voyager mission, rock and roll was a uniquely American art form that had captured the spirit of youth rebellion and energy in the 1950s and 60s. By including “Johnny B. Goode” on the Golden Record, NASA intended to showcase the cultural diversity and creativity of the American people.
But “Johnny B. Goode” is more than just a symbol of American culture. The song tells the story of a poor boy from the countryside who dreams of becoming a famous musician. With his guitar and his talent, he rises to stardom and becomes a rock and roll legend. The song is a celebration of the power of music to transcend social barriers and bring people together.
In the context of interstellar communication, “Johnny B. Goode” becomes a universal message of hope and inspiration. The song reminds us that, no matter where we come from or what challenges we face, we can all find joy and purpose in the power of music.
“Johnny B. Goode” and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
Of course, the inclusion of “Johnny B. Goode” on the Golden Record raises an important question: will any extraterrestrial life forms be able to receive and understand the message?
The answer is that we simply do not know. The Voyager spacecraft are currently more than 13 billion miles away from Earth, and are likely to continue to travel for millions of years without encountering any other intelligent life. Even if they do encounter other beings, it is unclear whether they will be able to make sense of the images and sounds on the Golden Record.
But the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, or SETI, continues. Scientists around the world are using radio telescopes to scan the skies for signs of intelligent life, searching for the telltale patterns of regular radio signals that could indicate the presence of another civilization.
If such a signal is ever detected, the Golden Record and “Johnny B. Goode” may become the first human message to be received by another intelligent species. And if that day ever comes, we can be proud that we chose to send a message of hope and inspiration, celebrating the power of music to unite us all.
FAQ
What was the 80s song about going to space?
In the 80s, there were several songs that referenced space, including “Space Oddity” by David Bowie and “Rocket Man” by Elton John. However, if we are talking specifically about a song that was about going to space, then Rush’s “Countdown” (1982) is the answer.
This particular song was inspired by the first flight of the Columbia space shuttle in 1981. “Countdown” starts off with a series of sound effects, including mission control announcements and the roar of the shuttle’s engines. This sets the tone for a thrilling song that follows the journey of astronauts as they prepare to launch into outer space.
The lyrics of “Countdown” are full of imagery that capture the excitement and danger of space travel. Lines like “A world of fur and feather / In a universe of sound / Where the mountains tower like needles / And the sun’s the only sound” describe the vastness of space and the otherworldly sights that astronauts might encounter.
As the song progresses, the feeling of tension heightens as the countdown reaches its final moments. Lead singer Geddy Lee’s voice becomes more urgent, singing “The rocket’s engines thrust / The air is filled with dust” as the shuttle takes off. The song reaches a crescendo as the shuttle breaks through the atmosphere and into space, with the iconic line “And we’re liftoff on, liftoff on, liftoff on a night like this.”
“Countdown” is a quintessential 80s song about going to space. It’s a paean to human ingenuity and the thrill of exploration, capturing the imagination of listeners with its soaring melodies and evocative lyrics. It’s no wonder that it’s still beloved by astronauts and space enthusiasts to this day.
What was the first rock music played in space?
Music has always played an important role in human history, and it has been a part of many historic and momentous moments. One such moment occurred in 1988 when a Soviet cosmonaut took a cassette of Pink Floyd’s Delicate Sound of Thunder album with him on the Soyuz TM-7 mission, making it the first rock album to be played in space.
The Soyuz TM-7 mission was launched on November 26, 1988, and was a joint mission between the Soviet Union and France. The crew consisted of Soviet cosmonauts Alexander Volkov, Sergei Krikalev, and soon-to-be first French astronaut Jean-Loup Chrétien. As part of the mission’s entertainment on board, the crew was allowed to bring a few personal items, and one of them was a cassette tape of Pink Floyd’s Delicate Sound of Thunder album.
On December 2, 1988, the cosmonauts decided to play the cassette, and the first track “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” was played, marking the historic moment as the first rock music played in space. The cosmonauts were reportedly amazed by the sound quality and the novelty of listening to rock music while orbiting the Earth.
Pink Floyd was a British rock band formed in 1965, and they were known for their innovative and experimental music that combined rock, blues, and psychedelia. Delicate Sound of Thunder was their first live album, which was recorded during several concerts in 1987. The album featured many of their classic songs, including “Wish You Were Here,” “Another Brick in the Wall,” and “Comfortably Numb.”
The Soyuz TM-7 mission was a significant milestone in the history of space exploration, marking the beginning of international cooperation and the first French astronaut to go into space. The mission also demonstrated the importance of music as a unifying factor that transcends cultures and borders, even in the vast darkness of space.
Pink Floyd’s Delicate Sound of Thunder made history by becoming the first rock album to be played in space during the Soyuz TM-7 mission in 1988. This event not only showcases the significance of music but also highlights the international cooperation and advancements made in space exploration.
Did NASA send a song into space?
Yes, NASA did send a song into space as part of an interstellar radio message (IRM) called “Across the Universe.” The song transmitted was “Across the Universe” by the Beatles, which was selected by NASA as a symbol of peace and unity, and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of NASA’s founding.
The message was sent on February 4th, 2008, at 00:00 UTC from NASA’s Deep Space Communication Complex at Madrid, Spain. The transmission was directed toward the North Star or Polaris, which was chosen as the target because it is a bright and very stable star located in the constellation Ursa Minor.
The IRM was aimed at a distance of approximately 431 light-years away from Earth and is expected to take 100 years to reach its destination. Upon arriving at its destination, Polaris will be used as a “beacon” to point any potential extraterrestrial life towards our planet and potentially towards humanity.
In addition to the Beatles’ song, the IRM also included 10,000 well-wishes from people around the world in 55 different languages. These messages were collected by a computer program that asked people to contribute a message to the project through the internet.
This transmission is not the first time that NASA has tried to contact extraterrestrial life. It has been a part of various initiatives, some of which include the Voyager Golden Records launched in 1977, Pioneer plaques released in 1972, and the Mars rovers’ messages in 2003.
The transmission of “Across the Universe” by NASA as part of an interstellar radio message symbolizes humanity’s attempt to make contact with the unknown, and to explore space and the universe beyond our planet.
What is the deal with Space Song?
“Space Song” is a song by the American indie rock duo, Beach House. The song was released on 26 August 2015 as a part of their fifth studio album, “Depression Cherry.” The song speaks about dealing with a breakup and the pain that comes with it.
The lyrics of the song are introspective and melancholic. Victoria Legrand, the lead vocalist, describes her pain and her vulnerability in the aftermath of a breakup. She talks about how she was naive to believe in an idealized relationship, and that she believed it would last forever. However, she is now left alone and in her own space, hence the song title, “Space Song.”
The lyrics reflect on Legrand’s internal dialogue, as she tries to make sense of her emotions. The chorus of the song, with its repetitive lyrics, “What’s the use of feeling?” highlights the futility of trying to hold onto the past. She acknowledges that she cannot change what has happened and that she needs to find a way to move on.
The song’s instrumentation is dreamy and ethereal, with soft synths and Legrand’s emotive vocals. The music supports the lyrics’ introspective and melancholic feel, creating a sense of sadness and longing. The song’s production values are up to the mark, which makes it a beautiful listening experience.
“Space Song” was well-received by music critics and listeners alike, and it has become one of the most popular songs by Beach House. The song’s message of dealing with heartbreak and moving on is relatable to many people who have gone through similar experiences.
“Space Song” is a beautiful piece of music that deals with the complexities of love and heartbreak. Victoria Legrand’s introspective lyrics and emotive vocals, along with the dreamy and ethereal instrumentation, create a captivating listening experience. It is a song that many people can relate to and find solace in knowing that they are not alone in their feelings.
What is the first song in space force?
The United States Space Force is the newest branch of the U.S. military, officially launched in December 2019. With its arrival came the need for an official song, and “Semper Supra” was announced as the chosen track in May 2020. The Latin phrase “Semper Supra” translates to “Always Above,” which is fitting for the space-centric branch of the military. The song was written and produced by Greg Daniels and Steve Carell, who also co-created the Netflix comedy series “Space Force”. The track features an orchestral arrangement and lyrics that reference the Space Force’s mission to protect and defend the United States’ assets and interests in space. While “Semper Supra” is the first official song of the Space Force, it is not the only space-themed track associated with the branch. Previously, “The Air Force Song” was also used as a functioning anthem for the Space Force. However, “Semper Supra” marks a unique and appropriate addition to the Space Force’s identity, as it continues to establish itself as an essential branch of the U.S. military.
