In 1973, astronaut Owen Garriott brought a recorded tape of his wife with him. He played a prank on Mission Control officer Robert Crippen which was a great example of astronaut humor.

When Robert Crippen made radio contact with Skylab from Houston, Garriott made this dialogue possible:

“Skylab, this is Houston. Please respond.”

A cheerful woman’s voice came over the line.

“Good morning, Houston. This is Skylab.”

After a brief pause, Mission Control asked carefully:

“Who is speaking?”

“Hi, Robert,” the voice replied. “This is Helen, Owen’s wife.”

For a few seconds later:

“What are you doing up there?”

“I just thought I’d bring the boys something to eat,” the female voice answered.

Mission Control fell silent for nearly a full minute.

Then the connection was cut.

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