Jack White and his Third Man Records did indeed make music history by successfully launching the first working phonograph into space.
While the achievement was announced today (July 30), a press release from Third Man explains that the launch had actually taken place on July 2, just outside of Marsing, ID.
As previously explained, a gold-plated 12-inch master of Carl Sagan's "A Glorious Dawn" was shot into the cosmos, via the Icarus Craft, a high-altitude balloon designed by engineer Kevin Carrico. The record was held in place within a custom-built "space-proof" turntable. When the record would end, the arm would pick up and play the song again.
The launch was pre-taped but broadcast today, chronicling a one hour and 20 minute flight that reached heights of 94,000 feet. The balloon eventually popped, sending the Icarus Craft hurtling back towards earth. The turntable was still spinning when it landed.
You can find out more details about the launch over here, while a couple of videos explaining the mission can be seen down below.
While the achievement was announced today (July 30), a press release from Third Man explains that the launch had actually taken place on July 2, just outside of Marsing, ID.
As previously explained, a gold-plated 12-inch master of Carl Sagan's "A Glorious Dawn" was shot into the cosmos, via the Icarus Craft, a high-altitude balloon designed by engineer Kevin Carrico. The record was held in place within a custom-built "space-proof" turntable. When the record would end, the arm would pick up and play the song again.
The launch was pre-taped but broadcast today, chronicling a one hour and 20 minute flight that reached heights of 94,000 feet. The balloon eventually popped, sending the Icarus Craft hurtling back towards earth. The turntable was still spinning when it landed.
The #IcarusCraft at peak altitude — 94,413 feet above Earth — at 1:21:20 flight time! pic.twitter.com/4jrBoN1S2i
— Third Man Records (@thirdmanrecords) July 30, 2016
You can find out more details about the launch over here, while a couple of videos explaining the mission can be seen down below.
