THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Gemini VI Crew Pull Christmas Prank, First Song Performed In Space

By  //  December 16, 2017

December 16, 1965

ABOVE VIDEO: On this day (#OTD) December 16, 1965, Gemini VI astronauts Tom Stafford and Wally Schirra played a prank on Mission Control. Just before Gemini VI was set to reenter Earth’s atmosphere, Stafford claimed to have received a mysterious radio signal.

(NASA HISTORY) – On this day (#OTD) December 16, 1965, Gemini VI astronauts Tom Stafford and Wally Schirra played a prank on Mission Control. Just before Gemini VI was set to reenter Earth’s atmosphere, Stafford claimed to have received a mysterious radio signal.

“We have an object, looks like a satellite going from north to south, probably in polar orbit….very low, looks like he might be going to re-enter soon….Standby one, it looks like he’s trying to signal us,” said astronaut Tom Stafford.

Stafford and Schirra then burst into a performance of “Jingle Bells”, with Stafford on harmonica and Schirra on bells.

It was the first song ever performed in outer space.