The iconic duo, The Carpenters, made an unexpected impact on NASA in 1972 when their music and voices were used to wake astronauts on duty. The gentle melody of “We’ve Only Just Begun” greeted the Apollo 17 crew as part of NASA’s tradition of starting the day with music. In a detailed document titled “Chronology of Wakeup Calls,” NASA revealed how the brother-sister duo’s hit song became a part of the astronauts’ daily routine.
Former NASA director of operations, Chris Hadfield, highlighted the importance of music during space missions, emphasizing the need for lively and peppy tunes to kick-start the astronauts’ day. The Carpenters’ uplifting music proved to be the perfect wake-up call as the astronauts groggily greeted a new day in space.
The connection between The Carpenters and space didn’t end there. In 1977, the duo covered the unconventional Klaatu song, “Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft (The Recognized Anthem Of World Contact Day).” Originally inspired by the song in 1976, Karen and Richard Carpenter were so enamored with it that they decided to record their own version of the tune. Their cover, which featured the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, was released in September 1977 on their album “Passage.”
The track may not have reached the top of the charts in the US, but it managed to secure a spot in the UK singles chart’s top 10. Known as the Carpenters’ final visit to the singles top 10 in the UK, the song’s subtitle referenced a 1953 attempt to send a telepathic message into space by the International Flying Saucer Bureau.
Smooth Radio noted that the song was recorded with an impressive group of 160 musicians. The Carpenters’ rendition began with a radio DJ requesting a song from a listener, with the DJ role played by the band’s guitarist, Tony Peluso. Despite Karen Carpenter’s untimely passing in February 1983, Richard Carpenter has remained dedicated to preserving the band’s legacy and music.
From waking astronauts in space to covering extraterrestrial-themed songs, The Carpenters’ impact on music and culture continues to resonate. Their unique blend of harmonies and melodic tunes have solidified their place in music history, transcending time and space alike.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.