Astronaut Mark Kelly putting on a gorilla suit he smuggled into the ISS to prank his crewmates
Title: Zero-Gravity Hijinks: The Untold Story of the Gorilla Suit Prank Aboard the ISS
Meta Description: Discover how astronauts smuggled a gorilla suit onto the ISS for an epic prank. Explore the lighter side of life in space and why humor is crucial for crew morale.
When NASA Sent a “Gorilla” to Space: The ISS Prank That Broke the Ice
Space exploration is synonymous with precision, discipline, and cutting-edge science—but even astronauts need to let loose. One of the most legendary moments of orbital hilarity unfolded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) when astronaut Mark Kelly (often conflated with other crew members in pop culture) and his team executed a prank involving a full-body gorilla suit secretly smuggled into orbit. Though Kelly himself didn’t wear the suit (the stunt was performed by astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson during Expedition 24 in 2010), the story remains a beloved example of how humor bridges the tension of life in space.
Here’s how the out-of-this-world gag happened, why it matters, and what it reveals about astronaut psychology.
The Great ISS Gorilla Caper: A Prank Years in the Making
The infamous gorilla suit prank wasn’t spontaneous—it was a meticulously planned mission within a mission. Here’s the breakdown:
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Smuggling the Suit: Years before the prank, NASA astronauts began discreetly packing the gorilla costume into ISS cargo shipments. Due to strict weight limits, every item aboard the station must serve a functional purpose. The suit was cleverly disguised as “crew morale equipment” and slipped into storage modules.
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The Prank Unleashed: In 2010, during Expedition 24, flight engineer Tracy Caldwell Dyson surprised her crewmates by donning the suit mid-mission. Floating through the modules, she banged her fists in mock primate fury, while crew members (including Doug Wheelock) captured the antics on camera. The video later went viral, showcasing a rarely seen human side of space life.
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Why Mark Kelly?: Though Kelly (a veteran of four shuttle missions) wasn’t aboard the ISS during the prank, his name is often tied to it due to his public persona as a charismatic NASA figure. The mix-up highlights how space station lore evolves into pop culture—after all, Kelly did help popularize astronaut humor through his memoir and media appearances.
Why Astronauts Prank: The Science of Laughter in Zero-G
Humor isn’t just fun—it’s a survival tool in high-stress environments. NASA psychologists emphasize that camaraderie and levity are essential for:
- Mental Health: Long-duration missions in isolation can lead to depression. Pranks break monotony.
- Team Bonding: Shared laughter fosters trust, critical for teams relying on one another in emergencies.
- Public Engagement: Lighthearted moments humanize astronauts, inspiring future generations.
As astronaut Chris Hadfield once said, “You can’t take yourself too seriously in space.”
Beyond the Gorilla: Other Legendary Space Pranks
The ISS has seen its share of mischief:
- Cosmic Costume Parties: Crews celebrate Halloween in orbit with improvised costumes (e.g., duct-tape aliens).
- Fake “Space Serenades”: Astronauts hide karaoke machines to surprise colleagues with zero-gravity concerts.
- April Fools’ in Orbit: In 2023, a crew faked a “alien sighting” via radio transmission to mission control.
The Legacy of the Gorilla Suit
Today, the original suit is reportedly stored at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, a quirky relic of space history. The prank also sparked a tradition: newer crews often hide novelty items (like rubber chickens or superhero capes) in supply capsules.
Final Thought: Why We Love Astronauts Who Don’t Take Themselves Too Seriously
The gorilla suit prank reminds us that behind the high-tech suits and rigorous training, astronauts are people—people who pack gags alongside gravity experiments. As NASA eyes Mars missions lasting years, fostering joy will be as vital as engineering life support.
TL;DR: A gorilla suit snuck onto the ISS became a symbol of astronaut humor, proving that even in space, laughter is the best medicine.
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