Why astronauts play a high-stakes game of cards before launch
In short: Before heading to the launch pad, NASA crews engage in a specific ritual designed to ward off misfortune. This video explores the traditions that bridge the gap between modern spaceflight and historical legacy.
The SpaceX Crew-13 mission highlights a tradition dating back to the Apollo 7 era in 1968: a pre-launch card game. The crew plays until the commander, such as NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins, loses. This ritual is intended to "burn off" bad luck, symbolically clearing the way for only good fortune during the mission.
Space exploration also maintains cultural and historical ties through traditional ceremonies. For example, in 2010, the Expedition 24 Soyuz crew participated in a tribute at Red Square in Moscow, laying flowers at the Kremlin Wall before their launch to the International Space Station.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Crew Follows Traditional Pre-Launch Path
- Also: NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 Suited, Ready for Their Ride to Launch Pad - NASA
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