On July 7, three astronauts aboard the Soyuz MS 01 spacecraft were launched successfully into low-earth orbit last night, from Baikonur Cosmodrome. The spacecraft will dock with the International Space Stations (ISS) on Saturday. See www.dailykos.com/... for a photo essay on this mission.
Following traditions of the post-Soviet era, a Russian orthodox priest blessed the Soyuz Rocket, staff and members of the media. The holy men chanted prayers and the lead priest splashed mission staff and guests with holy water.
Here is a partial list of space program rituals — from www.dailymail.co.uk/...
NASA
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Russia
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No mission has been numbered 13 since Apollo 13 failed to land on the moon. |
No mission can take place on October 24 since the failure of a missile launch in 1960. |
On the day of launch, NASA astronauts eat eggs and steak in tribute to Alan Shepard
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On the day of launch, cosmonauts must sign their door - and have a champagne breakfast
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Before the launch, the crew plays five-card poker or Blackjack until the commander loses.
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Cosmonauts plant a tree and sign Yuri Gagarin's guest book before going to space.
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Also before launch, the crew is given a cake - that no one is supposed to eat.
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Coins are often flattened under the train that takes the Soyuz to the launch pad.
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In the suit-up room, astronauts sit on the same recliner chairs as in the Apollo era.
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The crew is forbidden from watching the rocket rollout, and get their hair cut instead.
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Manned landings are celebrated with a meal of beans and cornbread. |
A Russian Orthodox priest blesses the crew and equipment before they launch. |
Jars of peanuts are considered good luck for unmanned landings on other worlds.
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A small talisman - often a toy - hangs in the Soyuz capsule and floats when they reach orbit.
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After a successful mission, rookies in the team have their neckties cut.
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On the bus to the launch pad, male cosmonauts often urinate on the bus tire - just as Gagarin did.
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Every superstition and ritual has a story behind it. The stories are covered in more detail at www.dailymail.co.uk/…
Given the dangerous and risky nature of these scientific missions and given past successes and failures, it is perhaps understandable why these religious rituals, superstitions and “lucky charms” still provide comfort to astronauts, mission personnel and their families.
Amusing nevertheless.
The tire baptism tradition is, for obvious reasons, only asked of the men - though female astronauts have reportedly been known to bring vials of their urine to splash on the wheel.