NASA Curates Eclectic Playlist for Artemis II Crew Wake-Up Calls

From Chappell Roan to Glass Animals, the space agency keeps the astronauts energized with a diverse music selection.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:56pm

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An abstract close-up image of shattered glass reflecting colorful lights, evoking the high-energy, glamorous atmosphere of a music festival or concert.The eclectic musical wake-up calls help keep the Artemis II crew energized and connected to the rhythms of life on Earth.Houston Today

As the Artemis II crew travels through deep space, NASA is ensuring the astronauts stay on schedule by playing a variety of upbeat songs as their daily wake-up calls. The playlist includes tracks by artists like Chappell Roan, Passion Pit, and Glass Animals, keeping the mood light and energetic despite the serious nature of the mission.

Why it matters

This music tradition dates back to the Apollo missions, helping ground the astronauts in familiar comforts from Earth. By curating a diverse, contemporary playlist, NASA is demonstrating its understanding of the importance of morale and mental well-being for its crews during long-duration spaceflight.

The details

The Artemis II wake-up call playlist features a mix of pop, rock, and R&B songs, including Chappell Roan's 'Pink Pony Club,' a cover of Passion Pit's 'Sleepyhead' by Young and Sick, and Glass Animals' 'Tokyo Drifting.' The astronauts have responded positively to the musical selections, with crew member Reid Wiseman joking that they were 'eagerly awaiting the chorus' when 'Pink Pony Club' was cut short.

  • The Artemis II mission launched on April 1, 2026.
  • NASA has been playing a new wake-up call song each day since the launch.

The players

Christina Koch

One of the four astronauts aboard the Artemis II spacecraft.

Reid Wiseman

One of the four astronauts aboard the Artemis II spacecraft.

Victor Glover

One of the four astronauts aboard the Artemis II spacecraft.

Jeremy Hansen

One of the four astronauts aboard the Artemis II spacecraft.

Artemis II control team

The NASA team based in Houston, Texas that is responsible for the mission.

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What they’re saying

“We were eagerly awaiting the chorus.”

— Reid Wiseman, Artemis II astronaut

What’s next

NASA plans to continue playing new wake-up call songs for the Artemis II crew as they make their way back to Earth, with the full playlist available on the agency's official Spotify account.

The takeaway

NASA's thoughtful curation of the Artemis II wake-up call playlist demonstrates the agency's commitment to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of its astronauts, even during the most challenging deep-space missions.