NASA‘s final shuttle team boarded Atlantis for liftoff Friday, even as potential rainstorms threatened to delay the launch. But the clouds departed in time for the four astronauts, who received another pleasant surprise this morning.
They were roused by the strains of Rocket Man, followed by a message from the composer himself.
Sir Elton said: “Good morning, Atlantis, this is Elton John. We wish you much success on your mission. A huge thank you to all the men and women at NASA who worked on the shuttle for the last three decades.”
”Elton John, music legend wow, that is absolutely fantastic,” Atlantis‘ commander Chris Ferguson responded. “Thank you so much for taking the time and joining us this morning. It’s great to be here, it’s great to be in space.”
Rocket Man has serenaded astronauts as wakeup music four times in the shuttle program’s 30-year history, according to NASA officials. But this is the first time they have received a personalised greeting as well.
Hear him for yourself at
www.theregister.co.uk/2011/07/13/elton_atlantis.
