Peanuts, Blackjack and Pee: Strangest Space Mission Superstitions - Wired Science
Before a launch, the commander must play cards (supposedly either Blackjack or 5-card poker) with the tech crew until he loses a hand. The tradition's origins are a mystery, but it may have begun during the two-man Gemini missions.
After a launch at Kennedy Space Center, it is customary for rookie launch directors, test directors and engineers to have their neckties cut (akin to the aviation tradition where a pilot's shirt tails are cut off after their first solo flight).
Before a launch, the commander must play cards (supposedly either Blackjack or 5-card poker) with the tech crew until he loses a hand. The tradition's origins are a mystery, but it may have begun during the two-man Gemini missions.
After a launch at Kennedy Space Center, it is customary for rookie launch directors, test directors and engineers to have their neckties cut (akin to the aviation tradition where a pilot's shirt tails are cut off after their first solo flight).
