NASA has made history by broadcasting the first hip-hop song into space, using its Deep Space Network (DSN) to transmit Missy Elliott’s “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” 108 million kilometers away to Venus. This marks a significant milestone in deep space missions and tests the primary communication system used for interplanetary communications.
A Hip-Hop Debut on Venus
On July 12, Missy Elliott’s iconic 1997 hit was played in the vacuum of space, directly targeted at Venus. The song’s broadcast was facilitated by a 34-meter dish antenna, which transmitted signals at the speed of light towards Venus using the DSN, a global network of giant radio antennas that communicate with distant space missions.

Missy Elliott expressed her astonishment and honor at having her music played beyond Earth. She chose her song to be sent to Venus because the planet symbolizes “strength, beauty, and empowerment” to her.

NASA’s Deep Space Network at Work
NASA administrator Brittany Brown highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, “We wanted to share the inspiration we draw from Earth with the Solar System.” The initiative not only pushed the boundaries of space exploration but also tested the DSN’s capabilities in planetary communication.
This groundbreaking event marks the first time hip-hop music has echoed through the cosmos, paving the way for future cultural interstellar transmissions. What are your thoughts on this historic achievement? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!