10 Surprising Things We’ve Sent Into Space

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By Shannon Quinn - June 25, 2025

Humanity’s journey into the cosmos isn’t just about launching astronauts or satellites. Our curiosity knows no bounds, prompting us to send some truly unexpected items beyond our atmosphere. Each object tells a story—of science, hope, culture, or simply whimsy.

From cultural artefacts to pieces of everyday life, the list of what has left Earth’s gravity is both fascinating and bizarre. What motivates these choices? Sometimes it’s scientific inquiry, other times, a desire to leave a mark on the universe. Prepare to be surprised by what humanity has dared to send into the great unknown.

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1. Salmonella Bacteria

10 Surprising Things We’ve Sent Into Space — A close-up view of colorful bacterial colonies growing in a petri dish as part of a fascinating space experiment. | Photo by Wassily Kandark on Pexels

When NASA sent Salmonella bacteria to space aboard the Space Shuttle, the mission aimed to uncover how microgravity influences microbial behavior. The results were startling: the bacteria actually became more virulent in orbit. This discovery offered valuable insights for protecting astronaut health and understanding how diseases might spread in enclosed, extraterrestrial environments. Experiments like these are essential, as they highlight hidden risks in space travel. The findings have even influenced research on Earth. Read more from NASA.

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2. Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber

In 2007, NASA brought science fiction a little closer to reality by flying Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber prop aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. Used by Mark Hamill in the iconic Star Wars films, the lightsaber’s journey commemorated the saga’s 30th anniversary and celebrated humanity’s fascination with space. This symbolic gesture beautifully bridged the worlds of pop culture and scientific achievement, showcasing how space exploration inspires imagination across generations. More details on Space.com.

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3. A Car (Tesla Roadster)

In a feat that blurred the line between science and spectacle, SpaceX launched Elon Musk’s personal Tesla Roadster into space in 2018 atop the mighty Falcon Heavy rocket. Behind the wheel sat ‘Starman,’ a mannequin dressed in a SpaceX suit, as the car began its endless orbit around the sun. This unforgettable stunt not only showcased the immense power of Falcon Heavy, but also ignited imaginations across the globe. Further reading at The Verge.

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4. A Wheel of Cheese

Not every payload is purely scientific. In 2010, SpaceX slyly included a wheel of Le Brouère cheese on the Dragon capsule’s first flight. This lighthearted nod to Monty Python injected a sense of humor and tradition into a milestone mission. Even as technology pushes boundaries, there’s always room for a playful touch in space exploration. See SpaceX’s announcement.

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5. Human Ashes

For some, the ultimate adventure extends beyond life itself. Celestis, a private company, has launched human ashes into space, including the remains of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. This remarkable memorial service allows individuals to rest among the stars, fulfilling dreams of a cosmic journey. The idea has resonated with space enthusiasts and sci-fi fans alike, transforming the final frontier into a meaningful resting place. Read more at BBC News.

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6. Tardigrades (Water Bears)

Known for their incredible resilience, tardigrades—microscopic “water bears”—have been sent on multiple missions to test their survival skills in the harshest conditions imaginable. Scientists are fascinated by their ability to withstand extreme radiation, temperature, and even the vacuum of space. In an unexpected twist, thousands of tardigrades accidentally crash-landed on the Moon in 2019 when an Israeli lunar lander missed its mark. More information at National Geographic.

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7. Music Records (Golden Records)

Among the most ambitious and poetic objects launched into space are the Golden Records aboard the Voyager 1 and 2 probes, sent out in 1977. Each record contains an eclectic mix of Earth’s sounds, music, and greetings in 55 languages—including Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.” Acting as cosmic time capsules, these records are intended for any intelligent life that might encounter them, offering a message of humanity’s existence and culture across deep space. Details at NASA’s Voyager page.

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8. Lego Figurines

In 2011, NASA’s Juno spacecraft carried three special passengers: custom Lego figurines representing Galileo, Jupiter, and the goddess Juno. These tiny travelers weren’t just for fun—they were created to spark curiosity and inspire young people to explore science and space. The partnership between NASA and Lego shows how education and play can unite to make space missions even more engaging for the next generation. See NASA’s mission page.

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9. Pizza Delivery

In a move that combined marketing genius with culinary adventure, Pizza Hut made history in 2001 by delivering a pizza to the International Space Station. The pizza, vacuum-sealed and specially crafted for space, was enjoyed by Russian cosmonauts as part of a memorable promotional stunt. This unique delivery not only entertained the public but also demonstrated how even the comforts of home can reach orbit. Read more at CNN.

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10. A Corned Beef Sandwich

One of the most legendary episodes in early spaceflight occurred when astronaut John Young smuggled a corned beef sandwich aboard Gemini 3 in 1965. While the stunt amused many, it also raised alarms about floating crumbs potentially damaging sensitive spacecraft equipment. As a result, food protocols for astronauts became much stricter. This quirky moment remains a memorable footnote in the history of space travel. Smithsonian Magazine explores the story.

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Conclusion

The astonishing variety of objects we’ve launched into space—ranging from bacteria and toys to cultural icons—reveals the boundless scope of human curiosity and creativity. Every quirky payload reflects our desire to experiment, commemorate, and connect across the cosmos.

These choices remind us that space exploration isn’t just a technical challenge; it’s a cultural journey fueled by imagination and wonder. As we continue to push the boundaries, who knows what surprising artifact humanity will send into orbit next? Stay curious—the universe is waiting.

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