Topic: First bagpipes played in space (Kjell Lindgren)
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-07-2015 03:11 PM
Expedition 45 flight engineer Kjell Lindgren paid tribute to the late Victor Hurst, a research scientists and astronaut instructor who worked for Wyle, by playing "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes aboard the International Space Station. It is thought to be the first time that bagpipes have been played in space, the BBC reports.
They were made for Mr Lindgren by McCallum Bagpipes at the company's factory in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire.
Kenny Macleod, who works a McCallum Bagpipes, told BBC Scotland the 42-year-old astronaut had got in touch two years ago to say he was going to the space station and wanted to play the pipes while he was there.
"He wondered if it was feasible to play bagpipes," he said.
"They're made of plastic - they're just easier to keep clean and to make sure they're not contaminated. They're also lighter."
AlanC Member
Posts: 147 From: Scotland Registered: Nov 2014
posted 11-07-2015 06:42 PM
I appreciate the tribute, but if I was on a long duration mission and my colleague unpacked a set of bagpipes either they or the pipes are going out of the nearest airlock...
Hart Sastrowardoyo Member
Posts: 3445 From: Toms River, NJ Registered: Aug 2000
posted 11-07-2015 10:19 PM
If I were on Space Station and someone played "Amazing Grace," I'd be thinking of this....
moorouge Member
Posts: 2454 From: U.K. Registered: Jul 2009
posted 11-08-2015 12:15 AM
Playing the bagpipes 250 miles away in space is just following the recommendation of Wilfred Pickles who said, "Bagpipes are best heard from a distance."
To which one can add the further away the better.
Gonzo Member
Posts: 596 From: Lansing, MI, USA Registered: Mar 2012
posted 11-08-2015 07:18 AM
Hart - great call back! I too think that was a great scene. Very appropriate considering the circumstances. (Follow link. I don't want to give it away!)
As for bagpipes on ISS, if a fellow crew member unpacked a set, I would have been very interested. I love the sound and solemnity of their music. Having been a music student in school, I would have asked if they could teach me to play up there!
posted 11-07-2015 03:11 PM
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