For centuries, humans have looked up at the night sky with wonder, dreaming of traveling beyond our planet. When that dream became reality with space travel, astronauts didn’t just bring scientific instruments aboard their spacecraft—they brought music. Among the instruments that have made their way into orbit, the flute holds a special place, played by astronauts floating in microgravity, their melodies resonating in the vast silence of space.
From historic moments like Ellen Ochoa playing the first flute in space to Cady Coleman’s incredible interplanetary duet with Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, the flute has added a uniquely human touch to the high-tech world of space exploration.
The First Flutist in Space: Ellen Ochoa
In 1993, Dr. Ellen Ochoa became the first Hispanic woman in space during the STS-56 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. But Ochoa wasn’t just a groundbreaking astronaut – she was also a dedicated flutist.
Long before becoming an astronaut, Ochoa played the flute and considered a career in music before choosing physics and engineering. On her historic mission, she brought her flute into space and played it on the flight deck of Discovery, becoming the first person to play the flute beyond Earth. The image of her floating in zero gravity, performing music, symbolizes the intersection of art and science in human exploration.
Dr. Ellen Ochoa on “Flute Unscripted” with Caity Massoud
In a special episode of “Flute Unscripted,” presented by the Flute Center of New York in 2019, host Caity Massoud engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to journey into space and a distinguished flutist. In this interview, Dr. Ochoa reflects on her dual passions for science and music, sharing anecdotes about playing the flute aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery during her 1993 mission.
She discusses how music provided solace and a sense of normalcy amidst the challenges of space exploration. Dr. Ochoa also emphasizes the importance of pursuing diverse interests and how her musical background complemented her problem-solving skills as an engineer and astronaut.
This conversation offers an inspiring glimpse into how artistic expression can harmoniously coexist with scientific endeavors, motivating individuals to embrace all facets of their passions.
Cady Coleman: The Ultimate Space Flutist
- Her personal flute
- A wooden flute from Matt Molloy (of The Chieftains)
- A flute from Ian Anderson (of Jethro Tull)
- A pennywhistle from Paddy Moloney
Coleman didn’t just play these flutes for personal enjoyment; she shared them with the world, performing live from space.
“It’s just really different,” Coleman says. “I’ve been having the nicest time up in our Cupola — it’s a module that has windows all the way around. I just float around in there and play with my eyes closed. What’s really funny to me is that I’ll suddenly run into something that [I] had no idea was so close. It’s neat to float around and not know quite where you are, but still be creating your own little world with music.”
The First Space-Earth Musical Duet
On April 12, 2011, Coleman and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull made history with the first-ever interplanetary flute duet. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s pioneering spaceflight, Coleman played “Bourrée” from the ISS, while Anderson played simultaneously on Earth.
“We should remember that today’s cosmonauts, scientists, and astronauts are still every bit the rocket heroes they were 50 years ago.”
For a moment, music bridged the vast distance between Earth and space, a breathtaking symbol of connection across the cosmos.
Nina Perlove’s Interview with Astronaut Cady Coleman at the NFA Convention
In 2011, flutist Nina Perlove conducted an insightful video interview with astronaut Cady Coleman during the National Flute Association (NFA) Convention. In this interview, Coleman shared her experiences of playing the flute aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during her 2010-2011 mission.
She discussed the unique challenges of playing in microgravity, the selection of flutes she brought—including instruments from renowned musicians like Ian Anderson and Matt Molloy—and the profound personal significance of sharing music from space.
This conversation offered a unique perspective on the intersection of music and space exploration, highlighting how artistic expression transcends earthly boundaries.
John Herrington: A Native American Flute in Space
Astronaut John Herrington, a member of the Chickasaw Nation, carried a traditional Native American flute with him aboard STS-113 (2002) on Space Shuttle Endeavour. While there is no known recording of him playing in space, the act of bringing it aboard was a powerful tribute to his heritage.
The presence of the flute in space highlighted how indigenous traditions and modern exploration can coexist, proving that cultural expression knows no boundaries—even beyond our planet.
The Science of Playing the Flute in Space
1. Floating While Playing
On Earth, musicians rely on gravity to stay stable. In space, even the smallest breath can push an astronaut away from their instrument. Ellen Ochoa recalled needing to secure herself with foot restraints to stay still while playing.
2. Instrument Handling
Since instruments do not have weight in space, flutes (and other instruments) can drift away if not held carefully. Astronauts have to adjust their grip to keep the flute in place.
3. Material Effects
Spacecraft environments have lower humidity levels, which can affect wooden instruments and felt pads. Astronauts have reported that wind instrument pads can dry out and shrink, requiring a period of “rehydration” before playing.
4. Sound in Spacecraft
While space itself is a vacuum (where sound cannot travel), the pressurized atmosphere of the ISS allows for normal sound transmission. This means flutes sound the same in space as they do on Earth—though the musician’s breathing and embouchure might need small adjustments due to changes in air pressure.
5. Psychological Benefits of Music in Space
Music is not just a pastime in space—it plays an essential role in mental health and morale. Astronauts experience isolation, stress, and homesickness during long missions. Playing an instrument provides:
- Stress relief
- A connection to Earth and home
- Cognitive stimulation, keeping the mind engaged
Beyond the Flute: Other Instruments in Space
While the flute has a prominent place in space history, other instruments have also made their way into orbit. Some notable examples include:
- Guitar – The most commonly played instrument on the ISS, famously used by astronaut Chris Hadfield in his viral cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” in 2013.
- Saxophone – Astronaut Ron McNair, an accomplished saxophonist, planned to play his instrument in space during the Challenger STS-51-L mission in 1986, but tragically, the mission was lost.
- Didgeridoo – Astronaut Don Pettit brought a collapsible didgeridoo to the ISS in 2011, experimenting with how microgravity affected circular breathing.
- Keyboard – A small electronic keyboard was played aboard Mir and the ISS.
- Violin – In 2001, astronaut Aleksandr Lazutkin played a violin in space.
A Legacy of Music Among the Stars
The presence of musical instruments in space proves that human expression extends beyond Earth’s surface. The flute, with its portable size, rich history, and beautiful tone, has been an ideal companion for astronauts seeking both artistic fulfillment and emotional connection.
From Ellen Ochoa’s pioneering first flute performance in space to Cady Coleman’s interplanetary duet with Ian Anderson, flute music has floated in zero gravity, carrying melodies beyond our planet. As humanity sets its sights on the Moon, Mars, and beyond, it is likely that the flute – and music as a whole – will continue to accompany explorers into the great unknown.
After all, where humans go, music follows. And perhaps one day, a flute will play on the surface of Mars, filling the red planet with sound for the very first time.
Yulia Berry
www.yuliavberry.com
Yulia Berry is the founder of Flute Almanac, The Babel Flute, and the New England Flute Institute. A highly experienced flutist and mentor, she holds a Doctor of Music Arts degree from the Saint Petersburg State Conservatory (Russia).
Renowned for her virtuosity and expressive playing, she has performed as a soloist and chamber musician worldwide. An expert in flute pedagogy, she is known for her innovative teaching methods that emphasize technique, musicality, and artistry.
She has written extensively on the flute’s connection to art, culture, and history across different eras.
