Jack White is sending Third Man Records stratospheric

In 2012, Jack White told legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin that he was working on a project to make one of the records on his Third Man label the “first vinyl record played in outer space.” Nothing like aiming for the stars, right?

As ambitious as it might have seemed at the time, it turns out White was pretty serious about the whole thing. In an online statement posted to their website, Third Man Records say they’ve built a “space-proof turntable attached to a high-altitude balloon” with the help of designer Kevin Carrico. It’s called the Icarus Craft. Without wanting to burst their bubble (or, er, balloon), White and his label mates are probably hoping that this spaceship won’t be flying too close to the sun.

Keeping with the astrological theme, they’ll be sending out ‘A Glorious Dawn’ by renowned American cosmologist, astrophysicist, author and all-round champion of science Carl Sagan.
Giving a very literal meaning to the term ‘launch party’, on 30th July Third Man Records’ stores in Nashville and Detroit will be hosting pre-flight jamborees. A pre-recorded launch will stream at midday. See some photos of the craft below.