Students To Launch the GHOST Rocket from Andøya and Search for a Theme Song

Andøya Space has partnered with Ghost Rocket Music and the Hollywood Independent Music Awards (HIMA) to launch a unique project blending science, education, and the arts. The initiative celebrates the upcoming GHOST Rocket, a student-led research mission developed in collaboration with NASA.

Slated for launch in November 2025 from Norway’s Andøya Space, the two-stage GHOST Rocket will reach an altitude of 248 kilometres. The mission brings together students and faculty from institutions across Norway and the United States, including Clemson University, the University of Oslo, West Virginia Space Flight Challenge, and others.

Designed as an educational and scientific endeavour, the GHOST Rocket campaign aims to deepen understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere while giving students hands-on experience in building and integrating real flight instruments. “What more could you want from a working day than to be surrounded by young people… at the moment their projects go skyward on a rocket they themselves have contributed instruments to?” said Kolbjørn Blix of Andøya Space.

Global Song Search to Celebrate GHOST Rocket mission

To mark the mission, a global competition has been launched to find an original theme song that will accompany the rocket’s flight. Open to musicians of all backgrounds and genres, the contest is seeking songs that embody themes such as exploration, unity, freedom, and perseverance.

“We are seeking to partner with an artist or group of artists who care very deeply about the health of our planet,” said Luke Danelon of Ghost Rocket Music. “We want this song to embody the spirit of scientific exploration, humanitarian aid and the benefit of all people.”

Submissions close at midnight ET on 16 May 2025. The winning entry will debut during the HIMA main event on 30 July, with the official music video set to screen at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards on 19 November, just ahead of the 12 November rocket launch. For entry details and contest terms, visit Ghost Rocket Music on Instagram.