NASA has issued a statement following the decision by Beyonce to use audio from the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in the video for her song ‘XO’.
‘XO’ is one of the tracks on the new self-titled Beyonce album. A video for the song features an audio sample recorded moments after the spacecraft exploded in 1986. Seven people were killed in the explosion.
NASA press secretary addressed the issue saying “The Challenger accident is an important part of our history; a tragic reminder that space exploration is risky and should never be trivialized. NASA works every day to honor the legacy of our fallen astronauts as we carry out our mission to reach for new heights and explore the universe.”
Beyonce has also commented on the use of the sample in her song. “My heart goes out to the families of those lost in the Challenger disaster,” her statement reads. “The song ‘XO’ was recorded with the sincerest intention to help heal those who have lost loved ones and to remind us that unexpected things happen, so love and appreciate every minute that you have with those who mean the most to you. The songwriters included the audio in tribute to the unselfish work of the Challenger crew with hope that they will never be forgotten.”
In 2011, Beyonce and NASA were on friendlier terms. In July, 2011 Beyonce sent a message to astronauts at the STS-135 space station via Mission Control in her hometown of Houston. “Good morning, Atlantis!” she told the astronauts. “This is Beyonce. Sandy, Chris, Doug and Rex, you inspire all of us to dare to live our dreams, to know that we’re smart enough and strong enough to achieve them.”
The crew were also treated to her song ‘Run The World (Girls)’ broadcast into space from Mission Control.
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