Blast your best playlist into space

Crave US:  Attention, online space cadets: astronauts need your MP3s.The European Space Agency (ESA) is holding a contest to send the best astronaut-friendly playlist into space.

ESA will put the winner's playlist onto an iPod, then deliver it via the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), an unmanned ship making its maiden voyage in the fall of 2007. If all goes well, the iPod will reach the astronauts aboard the International Space Station. (Note to ESA: Don't forget to deliver an iPod charger.

Unfortunately, you can only participate if you're under 18 and from one of the countries participating in the ATV program: Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, or Switzerland.

That's a space-bummer for those of us in the U.S. (and those of us who can't even remember being under 18), but I've been inspired to put together my own space-inspired playlists anyway.

Take a look at my astro-playlists and post your own out-of-this-world lists in the comments section below. - Mike Yamamoto

Playlist: Blast-off and re-entry mix

1. Space Oddity - David Bowie
2. They Punctured My Yolk - The Flaming Lips
3. Space Hos - DANGERDOOM
4. Planet Telex - Radiohead
5. Planet of Sound - Pixies
6. Yourself: A Majesty of Infinite Space - The Detachment Kit
7. Astro - The White Stripes
8. Space Rock - Weezer
9. Apollo Kids - Ghostface Killah
10. The Day That Lassie Went to the Moon - Camper Van Beethoven

Playlist: Floatin' around in space mix

1. California Stars - Billy Bragg and Wilco
2. He's Simple, He's Dumb, He's the Pilot - Grandaddy
3. The World Has Turned and Left Me Here - Weezer
4. Rocket - Def Leppard
5. 9th Wonder - Digable Planets
6. Lost in Space - Kool Keith
7. Mars Attacks - Aesop Rock
8. Transmitting Live From Mars - De La Soul
9. Earth People - Dr. Octagon
10. Let's Go Moon Some Cars - Beck