Snoopy is heading to space. NASA explains why

It’s fair to say that Snoopy has been around a while. In fact, the canine cartoon character was already eight years old when NASA was founded in 1958. About a decade after the space agency came to be, the folks behind Snoopy began a collaboration with NASA that continues to this day.

Indeed, in the coming weeks, the popular character will be heading to space on the first flight of NASA’s next-generation Space Launch System (SLS) rocket as part of the Artemis I mission. In a video (below) posted on Tuesday, NASA explained why Snoopy will be riding aboard the Orion spacecraft as it flies around the moon and returns to Earth six weeks after launch. As the video reveals, Snoopy will act as the zero-g indicator on the SLS rocket’s maiden flight when it gets underway, hopefully next month.

Every rocket with a crew capsule has a zero-g indicator — usually a soft toy brought by a crew member — to establish when the astronauts and spacecraft have reached weightlessness after departing Earth’s atmosphere shortly after launch. Artemis I won’t have a crew aboard, but cameras inside the capsule will allow flight engineers on the ground to see Snoopy begin to float around, indicating that Orion is free from Earth’s gravitational pull. Melissa Menta, senior vice president of Peanuts Worldwide, said her team “wanted to go all out” with Snoopy’s upcoming space ride, so it dressed him up in an intricately designed spacesuit made out of material used in suits worn by actual NASA astronauts.

Snoopy’s first flight to space was in 1990 when he traveled on the Space Shuttle Columbia during the STS-32 mission, but the Artemis I flight will see him go further than he’s ever been before. Snoopy’s relationship with the U.S. space agency goes back about 50 years to the days of the Apollo program. NASA’s Silver Snoopy award was created during the Apollo era and to this day is awarded by astronauts to the agency’s employees and contractors to celebrate achievements related to mission success and human flight safety.

Collaborations were also established for STEM content that includes books and other learning materials.

In fact, education is a big part of why Snoopy works with NASA, as it’s hoped the well-known character will inspire children to learn more about the space agency’s efforts and take a keen interest in science and engineering to become the explorers of tomorrow.

Editors’ Recommendations

Tags:

arran listed on couponmatrix.ukcrocus listed on couponmatrix.ukheadspace listed on couponmatrix.ukjust-travel-cover listed on couponmatrix.uksheridan listed on couponmatrix.uksmiffys listed on couponmatrix.uk
arran listed on couponmatrix.ukSource the original scents of Scotland with Arran, an expert in crafting immaculate aromas. From luxury hand wash and shampoos to scented candles and diffusers, there are all sorts of ways to embrace fresh scents, especially when you can keep costs low with an Arran Sense of Scotland discount code. Supporting cruelty-free efforts by refusing to test any of their products on animals, the burden on your conscience is as small as the burden on your bank balance when shopping with Arran.
crocus listed on couponmatrix.ukGet your green thumb at the ready and prepare to bag yourself a bunch of bargains from Crocus, the UK’s largest online gardening website. With more than 4,000 different species of plant to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to making your garden grow. Remember to add a Crocus discount code from us to your haul of Crocus bulbs, shrubs, and blooms, and you could rake in the savings while giving your window box, garden or back yard a boost.
headspace listed on couponmatrix.ukHeadspace is there to support you through the stresses of modern life, and we’re here to help you save money on membership. The science-backed app offers guided meditation, animations and videos to give you little boost on your mindfulness journey. We’ll keep you updated on any Headspace discounts, so you can cross money worries off the list too. Caring for our mental wellbeing is so important, and Headspace makes it easy and accessible - for everyone.
just-travel-cover listed on couponmatrix.ukDon’t let anything ruin your holiday, and make sure you get Just Travel Cover. All sorts of things can go wrong when abroad, but with Just Travel, you won’t need to worry until it happens. Being protected gives you peace of mind and by using a Just Travel voucher code, you can be insured without digging into too much of your holiday budget. Wherever you are in the world, you can feel safe with Just Travel.
sheridan listed on couponmatrix.ukSheridan is a trusted Australian retailer known for providing high-quality homewares and bedding. They offer a wide range of products at great value, and you can use a Sheridan coupon to get even more discounts on your purchase. Whether you're looking for new sheets or towels, or want to update your decor, Sheridan is a great place to shop. With a Sheridan coupon, you can save even more on your next purchase. So check out our selection of codes and start saving today!
smiffys listed on couponmatrix.ukDressing up is all about donning an alter ego for the night – whether that’s a Disney villain, 1920s flapper or certified Ghostbuster – and the fancy dress magic starts at Smiffys. Whether you’re heading out for a hen do, dressing as your favourite Harry Potter character for World Book Day or celebrating Halloween in style, a Smiffys discount code from Groupon will keep the party going for less. Check out our round-up of the top Smiffys deals and then explore the collection of costumes, wigs, makeup and accessories to create an outfit to remember!