Matt Maher's Alive Again inspires Atlantis astronauts

It's safe to say that singer/songwriter and worship leader Matt Maher's music is out of this world, literally.

His latest album Alive Again is currently orbiting aboard space shuttle Atlantis, servicing its final scheduled journey after almost a quarter-century of missions. Atlantis launched from Kennedy Space Center on May 14, 2010, and will spend 12 days in orbit and 7 days docked to the International Space Station where astronauts will deliver a Russian research module, along with other equipment and replacement parts.

Maher's music has become a staple carry-on item for NASA astronaut, Mike Good, who has officially selected Maher's song "Alive Again" as one of his "wake-up songs" -- not only reviving Good from an outer space slumber but the rest of the STS-132 and International Space Station crew as well.

Astronaut Good relayed a message of inspiration after a recent wake up call from NASA headquarters, "Good morning Houston! It's great to wake up here in space again. We're looking forward to another beautiful day docked at the International Space Station. I thank God for this opportunity to view the glory of His creation from this perspective - and thanks to Matt Maher for that song, 'Alive Again'."

This marks the third year in a row that Maher's music has visited the cosmos. In June 2008 and 2009 Matt's previous album Empty & Beautiful (4/8/08) found its way onto shuttle Discovery for NASA Mission STS-124 with astronaut Ron Garan and aboard Atlantis STS-125 with Mike Good.

"I had the pleasure of meeting Mission Specialist, Mike Good when I was in Houston last year thanks to a friend of mine; seeing the NASA facility and hearing about the work that everyone there does was amazing, especially since, as a child, I always aspired to be an astronaut!" says Maher.

"Music intersects with people's lives and inspires something unique from every person, so really, it's such an honor that he would choose one of my songs to start his day. Having my song played in space is one thing, but in context with what he says reminds me of what a great Man of God Mike is. It is such an honor to have my music start anyone's day."

Listen to the official "wake-up song" "Alive Again" broadcast through the space shuttle followed by astronaut Good's response by clicking this link: tiny.cc/aliveagainspace