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Space Station Music
This article describes the processes and procedures required for astronauts to play musical instruments in space. It also lists the instruments that have found their way into space: a keyboard, a flute, a guitar, a saxophone, and a didgeridoo. Problems with the instruments include electromagnetic interference, fire hazards, and outgassing. Also physical considerations due to weightlessness are addressed. A feature of this site is a video of an astronaut musician discussing such considerations and playing a short piece on his keyboard. The site is enhanced with photographs and a streaming or downloadable audio narrative.
Intended for grade levels:
  • Intermediate (3-5)
  • Middle (6-8)
  • High (9-12)
Type of resource:
  • Visual:
    • Video
  • Text:
    • Ref. material
  • Audio:
    • Webcast
Subject:
  • Environmental science
  • Space science
Technical requirements:
Audio option requires Real Player or other streaming software.
Cost / Copyright:
No cost
The written materials and pictures within the Science @ NASA websites are presented without copyright and are the property of the U. S. Government. While no copyright is asserted for NASA written materials or pictures, you must respect the copyrights on commercial materials which may, on occasion, be used here by permission. You are encouraged to reuse NASA written materials in web sites, teaching guides, and other publications, but we would like to be notified for our records. To preserve the scientific integrity of the information, we ask that the content not be altered . We also ask that NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and Science@NASA be credited. The NASA logo and the name Science@NASA are the property of NASA. The NASA logo and the stories and images in the Science@NASA websites may not be used to imply official endorsement of non-NASA activities.
DLESE Catalog ID: DLESE-000-000-007-059
Educational standards:
  • National Science Education Standards (NSES):
    • K-4:
      • B - Physical science:
        • Position and motion of objects
      • F - Science in personal / social perspectives:
        • Changes in environments
      • G - History and nature of science:
        • Science as a human endeavor
    • 5-8:
      • B - Physical science:
        • Motion and forces
      • F - Science in personal / social perspectives:
        • Populations, resources, environments
    • 9-12:
      • B - Physical science:
        • Motions and forces
      • F - Science in personal / social perspectives:
        • Environmental quality
Resource contact / Creator / Publisher:
Publisher: Science@NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center


Author: Karen Miller
Science@NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center