The Day a Woodpecker Delayed a Space Shuttle Launch
Space travel comes with all kinds of risks—mechanical failures, software glitches, even space debris. But in 1995, NASA faced an entirely unexpected threat to Discovery's launch: a woodpecker.
As the space shuttle sat on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center, a persistent Northern Flicker decided that NASA’s spray-on foam insulation was the perfect place to peck out a new home. The result? Over 200 holes in the external fuel tank—a serious issue that delayed the launch for weeks while the government agency scrambled for a solution.
NASA Turns to Dalen’s Proven Bird Deterrents
In a move that might surprise space enthusiasts, NASA didn’t turn to high-tech gadgets or classified space-age materials to solve the problem. Instead, they looked to nature—specifically, one of its most fearsome nocturnal hunters: the Great Horned Owl.
To prevent another attack, NASA turned to Dalen Products, Inc., a trusted name in bird control. The space agency deployed:
- Dalen’s Great Horned Owl Scarecrow – A lifelike predator decoy designed to deter birds, even in the vast expanse of a space agency's launch pad.
- Dalen’s Reflective Scare Tape – Shiny, holographic tape that flutters and flashes in the wind, creating a visual deterrent.
- Dalen’s Garden Eyes Scare Balloon – A brightly colored deterrent designed to mimic the glaring eyes of a predator.
These tried-and-true bird control methods, typically used in backyards and gardens, were now on duty at NASA’s launch pad, protecting one of the most advanced spacecraft in history. As it turns out, when it comes to space travel, sometimes the simplest solutions are the best.
A Fun Chapter in Space History
The story of Dalen’s bird deterrents taking their place on NASA’s launch pad remains a delightful piece of space exploration history. It’s a testament to how even the most cutting-edge technology can benefit from a little backyard ingenuity.
In the end, the external tank was repaired, and Discovery successfully launched it's STS-70 mission on July 13, 1995. But the tale of the owl decoy, scare tape, and scare balloon that stood guard over America’s space program lives on as one of the quirkiest, most unexpected moments in NASA’s history.
It also proved that even the Great Horned Owl—already a cultural icon in folklore and conservation—had a role to play in the great adventure of human spaceflight. Perhaps NASA missed an opportunity—if the Great Horned Owl had been issued a flight suit, it could have become the first honorary "avian astronaut" in space history!
Little-Known NASA Facts
- The Northern Flicker is one of the few woodpecker species that migrate. It’s possible that NASA’s flicker was just passing through—though it certainly left its mark before moving on!
- Fake owls in space? NASA wasn’t the only space agency or government agency to use decoys for bird control. Many sports stadiums, airports, and even government buildings rely on similar deterrents to this day! But we don’t expect to see any fake owls on the International Space Station anytime soon.
- A giant leap for birdkind? The Great Horned Owl decoy might not have made it to orbit, but its brief stint at NASA still makes it one of the most unusual honorary "crew members" in spaceflight history.
From Gardens to Spaceports—Trusted Bird Control for Over 50 Years
For over 50 years, Dalen’s bird deterrents have been protecting gardens, rooftops, and yes—even space shuttles—from unwanted feathered visitors. Whether you're defending your tomato plants or a multi-million-dollar spacecraft, one thing is clear: when birds become a problem, Dalen has your back, whether you need to take a small step or a giant leap.
And who knows? With the next total solar eclipse on the horizon and the International Space Station orbiting above, maybe Dalen’s owl will one day find its way to the Red Planet—proving once again that good ideas stand the test of time.
Shop the Bird Control Solutions Trusted by NASA!
Looking to protect your garden, home, or business from pesky birds? Shop the same bird control solutions trusted by NASA!
