God in Space

Astronauts have, typically, been pretty quiet about religion. They are aware that they are public figures, and shouldn’t get themselves into unnecessary controversies.

This became clear in 1968 when the Apollo 8 astronauts read from Genesis in lunar orbit…and were subsequently sued by an atheist. Since those days, we’ve seen a few cases of people bringing their religion into space. For example, Buzz Aldrin quietly took communion inside the lunar module shortly after Apollo 11 landed on the moon. But this was not something that was publicized.

High-profile Religion (pun intended)

Some astronauts, post-NASA, got religion and were involved in visible Christian organizations. Jim Irwin, who walked on the moon on Apollo 15, founded the High Flight ministry. And Charles Duke (and his wife) were born-again after his Apollo 16 mission.

More recently, some issues regarding both Jewish and Islamic religious practices have appeared…without controversy. The atmosphere has changed.

An Islamic astronaut from Malaysia had to answer the questions: which way is Mecca (other than “down”) when you are orbiting the Earth. And how can you pray 5 times a day when your “day” is something like 90 minutes?

Ilan Ramon, an Israeli astronaut, wasn’t an observant Jew. But, during his flight on the final ill-fated voyage of Columbia, he ate Kosher food and observed the Sabbath.

We may see more religious activities in space, as more nations with observant populations send astronauts into orbit. Or maybe, in space, religion will once again become a private matter.