Aww: Injured Bat Blasts Off For Outerspace
A Free-Tailed Chiroptera bat, believed to have recently injured its wing and shoulder, clung to the foam exterior of the Space Shuttle's fuel tank just before launch on the morning of Sunday, March 15th. And moments later, as the shuttle took off, he became....Space Bat.
*music fades in* I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch the....oh shit -- broken wing, I'm screwed. Quick, I'll just hold on to this thing. Whoa, what was that noise? Oh God, oh God -- WHEEEEEEEEEE!!
Per NASA:
The animal likely perished quickly during Discovery's climb into orbit.
*music abruptly stops* Wow NASA, way to inspire. You know what -- I don't even want to be an astronaut anymore, I want to be a policeman.
This post dedicated to the memory of Space Bat, who reminds us all: Aim for the moon....even if you miss, you'll burn up in the atmosphere.
Tribute video to Space Bat after the jump.
Shuttle-Riding Bat Dies The Most Glorious Death Imaginable [gizmodo]
Thanks to meeotch and Pat, who tried to stow away on the shuttle but were caught during a pre-flight inspection. Better luck next time, guys.
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