Luke Skywalker's Lightsaber Has Really Been To Space

In a galaxy not so far away, the iconic lightsaber from the Star Wars franchise has transcended the realm of science fiction and made its way into space.

The lightsaber, a weapon wielded by the noblest heroes and fearsome villains, has captured the imaginations of fans worldwide. But did you know that a lightsaber, similar to the one used by Luke Skywalker, actually traveled to space?

The Creation of Luke Skywalker's Lightsaber

The lightsaber, conceived by George Lucas, is a legendary weapon in the Star Wars universe. It is a symbol of honor, courage, and the Force. The lightsaber used by Luke Skywalker, predominantly green in color, holds a special place in the hearts of fans.

However, the lightsaber that ventured into space was not the actual one used in the movies. It was a replica created by the prop department, pieced together from various knickknacks and secured with copious amounts of superglue.

Astronauts and Their Unique Souvenirs

It may come as a surprise, but astronauts have a history of carrying unique souvenirs with them during their space missions. It all started back in 1969, when American sculptor Forrest Myers collaborated with contemporary artists to create the Moon Museum.

This tiny collection of scribblings was clandestinely attached to the Apollo 12 spacecraft and remains on the lunar surface to this day. Voyager 1 and 2, launched in 1977, also carried the Golden Records, which contained images, music, greetings, and sounds representing Earth.

Luke Skywalker's Lightsaber in Orbit

In 2007, the lightsaber replica made its way to space onboard the Discovery Space Shuttle during mission STS-120. Packed safely in foam within an inaccessible compartment, the lightsaber spent a total of 14 days in orbit. Jim Reilly, a retired NASA astronaut and veteran of three missions, described the lightsaber's journey as a remarkable convergence of science fiction and reality. The lightsaber returned to Earth unscathed, ready to be reunited with its creator, George Lucas.

"There's a kind of a fine line between science fiction and reality as far as what we do, and it’s only just time really because a lot of what we’re doing right now was science fiction when I was growing up." - Jim Reilly

The Legacy of Lightsabers in Space

Luke Skywalker's lightsaber is not the only Star Wars memorabilia that has ventured into space. Many astronauts have carried small mementos, such as Star Wars toys, that hold personal significance for them.

These items serve as reminders of their lives on Earth and provide a sense of comfort during their missions. While the lightsaber may not have been used to battle Sith Lords in space, its journey symbolizes the enduring impact of the Star Wars franchise on popular culture and space exploration.

Luke Skywalker's lightsaber, an iconic symbol of the Star Wars universe, has truly transcended its fictional origins.

Its journey to space aboard the Discovery Space Shuttle during mission STS-120 is a testament to the fascination and influence of the franchise. While the lightsaber replica may not have seen any intergalactic battles, it serves as a reminder of the fine line between science fiction and reality.

As we continue to explore the wonders of space, the lightsaber's adventure beyond Earth's atmosphere remains an inspiration for both Star Wars enthusiasts and space enthusiasts alike.