In a landmark event for both music and science, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has successfully transmitted Missy Elliott’s groundbreaking 1997 single ‘The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)’ into the Milky Way galaxy.
Aimed at Venus, a celestial body long admired by the artist according to official statements, the song embarked on its interstellar voyage on July 12th via NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN). Traveling at the speed of light, it reached its destination – a staggering 254 million kilometers distant – in just 14 minutes.
“I still can’t believe I’m going out of this world with NASA through the Deep Space Network when ‘The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)’ becomes the first ever hip-hop song to transmit to space!” Elliott said in a press statement. “I chose Venus because it symbolizes strength, beauty and empowerment, and I am so humbled to have the opportunity to share my art and my message with the universe!”
This historic transmission transcends mere entertainment. As stated by NASA communications director Brittany Brown, it signifies a unique convergence of artistic expression and scientific exploration, two disciplines renowned for pushing boundaries. Brown further emphasized Elliott’s longstanding affinity for space, citing the prevalence of space-age themes and futuristic visuals within her music videos.
This marks only the second instance of NASA transmitting a song into deep space. In 2008, The Beatles’ ‘Across the Universe’ embarked on a similar journey, aimed at Polaris, the North Star. Now time will tell on when an edm song will be beamed across space.