VIENNA, May 31, 2025 – Johann Strauss II’s iconic “Blue Danube” waltz has finally reached space nearly a half-century after missing its chance on NASA’s Voyager spacecraft. The European Space Agency’s radio antenna in Spain beamed the waltz into deep space towards Voyager 1, the world’s most distant spacecraft over 15 billion miles away.
The Vienna Symphony Orchestra performed the “Blue Danube” during the transmission, sending a rehearsal version to Voyager 1. This marks part of the year-long celebration marking Strauss’ 200th birthday and ESA’s 50th anniversary founding in 1977. The waltz holds special meaning for space fans, as it features in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 sci-fi film “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
Traveling at the speed of light, the music is expected to overtake Voyager 1 within 23 hours. This historic event marks a unique collaboration between space agencies and classical music enthusiasts, showcasing the enduring legacy of Strauss’ timeless compositions.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/strauss-blue-danube-waltz-space-b87ac23d0060e7211fd097e631f21db2