Astronaut Eileen Collins Shares Her Space-Themed Playlist

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Astronaut Eileen Collins, the first woman to command a space shuttle mission, offers a unique perspective on music in space through her curated playlist. While she didn't listen to much music during her 872 hours in orbit, the songs she did choose reveal how music can bridge the gap between the earthly and the cosmic, serving as a lifeline and a reminder of home even in the most extraordinary circumstances.

Why it matters

Collins' playlist is more than just a collection of songs - it's a cultural artifact that provides insight into the human experience of space exploration. As space travel becomes more accessible, understanding how music can play a role in mental health and connecting astronauts to Earth will become increasingly important, especially for long-duration missions.

The details

Collins admits she didn't listen to much music during her time in space, as the awe of the cosmos itself became the soundtrack. However, the songs she did choose, like 'Here Comes the Sun' and 'Counting Stars,' take on new meaning in the context of space, becoming metaphors for the relentless cycle of Earth's beauty and a reminder to prioritize what truly matters. Other tracks, like 'Amarillo By Morning' dedicated to a fallen colleague, show how music can be used to honor memory and humanity even in the void of space.

• Eileen Collins spent 872 hours in space over the course of her astronaut career.

What’s next

As space travel becomes more accessible, future astronauts may bring their own personal soundtracks, and AI-curated playlists based on mood and mission could become more common. The intersection of music and space exploration is just beginning, with possibilities ranging from concerts in zero gravity to symphonies composed using data from cosmic phenomena.