Though the International Space Station (ISS) doesn’t receive visits from ghosts, monsters, or trick-or-treaters, its astronauts have cultivated their own ways to participate in Halloween festivities. Using available materials on the ISS, astronauts, whether alone or collectively as a crew, fashion inventive and sometimes eerie costumes to keep the Halloween spirit thriving, even while orbiting Earth. Here are some glimpses into past Halloween celebrations on the ISS, as we look forward to future costume displays.
In 2007, Expedition 16 NASA astronaut Clayton C. Anderson donned a black cape to embody the character of a vampire. Image Credit: Clayton C. Anderson
For the Halloween of 2009, members of Expedition 21 proudly displayed their Halloween attire. Image Credit: NASA
Expedition 21 Flight Engineer and NASA astronaut Nicole P. Stott showcased her chosen Halloween costume. Image Credit: NASA
Italian Space Agency astronaut Luca S. Parmitano realized his aspiration to emulate Superman during Expedition 37. Image Credit: NASA
NASA astronaut Scott J. Kelly was seen wearing an intimidating mask for Halloween 2015, during his one-year mission. Image Credit: NASA
Expedition 53 Commander and NASA astronaut Randolph J. “Randy” Bresnik presented his Halloween costume. Image Credit: NASA
Expedition 53 Flight Engineer and NASA astronaut Joseph M. Acaba was adorned in colors associated with Halloween. Image Credit: NASA
Expedition 53 European Space Agency astronaut Paolo A. Nespoli demonstrated his Spiderman abilities. Image Credit: NASA
During Expedition 57, crew members European Space Agency astronaut and Commander Alexander Gerst and NASA astronaut Serena M. Auñón-Chancellor wore their Halloween finery. Image Credit: NASA
In 2019, Expedition 61 crew members, including NASA astronaut Christina H. Koch, European Space Agency astronaut Luca S. Parmitano, NASA astronauts Andrew R. “Drew” Morgan and Jessica U. Meir, displayed their Halloween spirit. Image Credit: NASA
Expedition 66 astronauts, including NASA’s R. Shane Kimbrough, Thomas G. Pesquet of the European Space Agency, Akihiko Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and NASA astronaut Mark T. Vande Hei, showcased their Halloween cards. Image Credit: NASA
A representation of a hand emerging from a grave was also included. Image Credit: NASA
In October 2021, Crew-3 NASA astronauts Raja J. Chari, Thomas H. Marshburn, Kayla S. Barron, and Matthias J. Maurer from the European Space Agency had secret Halloween plans that were unfortunately postponed due to inclement weather at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Nevertheless, Expedition 66 crew members who were already on the ISS continued their own Halloween activities. European Space Agency astronaut Thomas G. Pesquet reported via social media that “Unusual events were transpiring on the ISS during Halloween, including Akihiko Hoshide appearing as if rising from the dead.”
For Halloween in 2022, Expedition 68 astronauts Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and NASA astronauts Francisco “Frank” C. Rubio, Nicole A. Mann, and Josh A. Cassada appeared in costumes modeled after popular video game and cartoon figures, incorporating stowage containers and makeshift trick-or-treat bags into their outfits. Image Credit: NASA
In the most recent celebrations of 2023, Expedition 70 astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli of NASA, Satoshi Furakawa of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara, and European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen took part in Halloween festivities. Image Credit: NASA
The Halloween traditions on the ISS are set to continue.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Halloween Celebrations on the International Space Station
How do astronauts on the International Space Station celebrate Halloween?
Astronauts on the ISS celebrate Halloween by creating costumes using materials available on the station. Whether individually or collectively as a crew, they fashion inventive and sometimes eerie costumes to mark the occasion.
What kinds of materials do astronauts use to make their costumes?
The text indicates that astronauts use available materials on board the ISS for their costumes, although it does not specify exactly what these materials are. The focus is on the creativity employed to use what is at hand.
Are there any specific instances of astronauts dressing up for Halloween?
Yes, there are numerous examples. For instance, in 2007, Expedition 16 NASA astronaut Clayton C. Anderson dressed as a vampire. In 2015, NASA astronaut Scott J. Kelly wore an intimidating mask. More recently, in 2023, Expedition 70 astronauts participated in Halloween festivities.
Were there any instances where planned celebrations had to be canceled or postponed?
Yes, in October 2021, Crew-3 NASA astronauts had undisclosed Halloween plans that were postponed due to inclement weather at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Expedition 66 crew members already on the ISS, however, continued with their own Halloween activities.
What kinds of characters or themes have astronauts chosen for their costumes?
Astronauts have chosen a variety of characters and themes for their costumes, ranging from vampires and intimidating masks to popular video game and cartoon figures. The emphasis is on creativity and making use of available resources on the ISS.
How do astronauts share their Halloween celebrations with the public?
European Space Agency astronaut Thomas G. Pesquet, for example, reported via social media that unusual events were happening on the ISS during Halloween. Social media appears to be one platform where astronauts share their festive moments with the public.
Do astronauts from different countries participate in the Halloween celebrations?
Yes, astronauts from various space agencies including NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency have been cited as participating in Halloween celebrations on the ISS.
More about Halloween Celebrations on the International Space Station
- NASA’s Official Website
- International Space Station Program
- Halloween Traditions in Space: A Historical Overview
- Social Media Updates from Astronauts on the ISS
- European Space Agency’s Official Website
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Official Website
- Expeditions to the International Space Station: A Timeline
9 comments
Love that astronauts from diff countries join in. Halloween isnt just an American thing anymore, huh?
I like how the article provides so many examples from different years. Shows that it’s an ongoing tradition, not a one-off thing.
It’s the small things like this that make space exploration feel more human. Kudos to the astronauts for keeping traditions alive so far from home.
Wonder what they had planned for 2021 before the weather got in the way. Guess we’ll never know.
Halloween in space? That’s like, two of my favorite things combined. Mind blown.
Wow, never thought about how astronauts celebrate holidays in space! Really cool to see they get into the Halloween spirit too.
A bit disappointed they didn’t go into specifics about the materials used for costumes. Would’ve been cool to know.
this is awesome! I mean, how cool would it be to celebrate Halloween in zero gravity?
Super interesting! I always wondered how astronauts pass the time when they’re not busy with experiments and stuff. Now I know they party!