In a few short hours, the Chinese spacecraft Shenzhou VII will slip the surly bonds of Earth and rocket towards through the stratophere to the stars. Among other goals of the trip, taikonaut Zhai Zhigang will make China’s first spacewalk, technically called extra-vehicular activity. I suppose that’s nicer than calling it a ‘dude with a death wish.’ China is only the third country to send people into orbit after the United States and the former Soviet Union.

This is a pretty momentous occasion for the Chinese people. First they host one of the best Olympics ever, and now they’re shooting people into orbit, walking around on stars, and getting their hands on any number of space-age gadgets. I wanted to honor these brave/crazy men with a song, but I wasn’t sure which one. Part of me said go classic, go David Bowie, and give them some Space Oddity. Then another part of me said, “No way, are you huffing space dust? You’ve got to go with Rocket Man. Everyone loves Rocket Man!”

So I compromised. Take it away, Bill!

Tags: China, Shenzhou VII, Shenzhou 7, space, manned spaceflight, Chinese space program, Jing Haipeng, Zhai Zhigang, Liu Boming, astronauts, taikonauts, Elton John, Bernie Taupin, William Shatner, Rocket Man, EVA, spacewalk

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