Nasa reveals Artemis II Spotify wake-up song playlist with Queen, Bowie and modern hits for astronauts

Nasa has released a new Spotify list that includes the wake-up tunes that were played for the members of the Artemis II mission before take-off. This list contains various popular tunes that have been chosen not only by the crew members themselves but also by their families.At the same time, they prepare for one of NASA’s most ambitious missions in decades. Among the featured songs are Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” and the classic duet “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie. The tradition of playing music to wake astronauts is not new, but this latest release brings it into a more public and modern space through streaming platforms, allowing fans worldwide to experience these iconic pre-launch moments.NASA confirmed that the songs are played daily from mission control in Houston. The practice is part of a long-running tradition where wake-up music is used to mark the start of a crew’s day in space or during training simulations. The idea is simple: when a song plays, the day begins.Experts say music in space is more than entertainment. It is a psychological tool. It can help regulate mood, reduce stress, and create a sense of normalcy during long missions. For astronauts preparing for Artemis II, daily routines are tightly scheduled. Even small moments, like a wake-up song, can carry weight.The Artemis II crew includes Commander Reid Wiseman, mission specialist Christina Koch, pilot Victor Glover, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Each of them contributed, along with their families, to the selection of tracks included in the playlist. The Spotify release is not just a list of songs but also reflects personal choices. Some tracks are upbeat while others are more reflective. As reported by The Washington Times, NASA’s chief historian Brian Odom has explained in interviews that the music is meant to keep astronauts connected to Earth and to the people they leave behind. Astronauts spend long periods in isolation and controlled environments. Familiar music might help reduce that sense of distance.Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure” appears as one of the standout tracks, alongside newer pop songs like Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.” The mix shows how modern NASA crews blend classic and contemporary influences in their daily routines.Artemis II is planned as a crewed mission around the Moon, part of NASA’s broader Artemis programme aiming to return humans to deep space exploration. The mission is a major step before future lunar landings. But beyond the technical goals, NASA has continued to highlight the human side of spaceflight. Each wake-up song is reportedly chosen to reflect something meaningful for the crew member involved or their family. In some cases, it is a reminder of home. In others, it is simply a song that lifts morale. Small routines like this are common in space missions. They help create structure in an environment where time can feel unusual, especially when orbiting far from Earth. The wake-up music tradition dates back to the Apollo era in 1965. Since then, nearly every major NASA mission has included some form of musical wake-up call. Over time, it has evolved from simple radio cues to carefully selected playlists shared with the public. The Artemis II Spotify playlist continues that pattern but in a more accessible way. By placing it on a global streaming platform, NASA allows the public to experience a small part of astronaut life.