In a fitting tribute to the man who gave us the Space Audit, the Royal Mint launched the David Bowie commemorative coin into space.

The coin, made as part of the Music Legends collection, was carried by a balloon at an altitude of 35,656 meters before landing in the UK.

The Royal Mint says this is the first time a UK coin has been launched into space. The coin will now be offered as a competitive prize to Bowie fans on the Royal Mint’s Facebook page.

Bowie has produced several editions in the collection, ranging from £ 13 for an unlimited 5 coin to 72,195, for the limited 1,000 category, 1 kg, gold-proof coin – only 11 beats.

Bowie Coins is the third in the Music Legends series, following the coins in honor of the Queen and Elton John. This design, which includes lightning bolts from Aladdin San, was the inspiration for a film from the time Bowie spent time living and recording in Berlin. A shiny effect on many coins gives the bolt the appearance of being covered with stardust.

Claire McLennan, Divisional Director of Memorial Coins at the Royal Mint, said: “We are delighted to unveil the third coin in the Royal Mint’s Music Legends series, honoring David Bowie’s intergalactic heritage and career.

Bowie’s first hit single space audit approved, We thought it appropriate to send his coin into space and celebrate Starman in his own pioneering way. David Bowie’s music has inspired and influenced musicians for generations, and we hope fans around the world will appreciate this commemorative coin. ”

In July 1969, five days before the launch of Apollo 11, the space audit was released in the UK, ranking fifth on the charts.