Unlucky frog launched into space by NASA

Sep 12, 2013 - 01:58
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Unlucky frog launched into space by NASA
Frog snapped launching with NASA's LADEE spacecraft in Virginia on September 6, 2013. Picture: NASA/Wallops/Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport

AN UNLUCKY frog took a giant leap for mankind when it was (accidentally) launched into space by a NASA rocket.

The frog's unfortunate jouey was captured by one of NASA's cameras set up for the launch of the LADEE spacecraft at the Wallops/Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Virginia last Friday, Universe Today reports.

And yes, the photo is real.

Wallops spokesman Jeremy Eggers confirmed the picture was legitimate and was not altered in any way.

So how did a frog end up on a rocket launchpad? A likely explanation is that the frog was attracted by a pool of water that sits at the launchpad. The water protects the pad from damage during launches and suppresses noise.

NASA's Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) is now on its way to the moon, where it will gather information about the lunar atmosphere for the US space agency.

It's expected to arrive in about three weeks. But sadly, we're not sure the frog will be as lucky.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.