When we think of space exploration, images of rockets, astronauts, and the Moon often come to mind. But humanity’s journey beyond Earth has left behind some truly unexpected items, some bizarre, some artistic, and some downright gross. These artifacts reveal the human side of space travel, from practical needs to personal mementos, and even moments of whimsy. Here are 12 of the strangest things we’ve left in space.1. Bags of Astronaut Waste on the MoonDuring the Apollo missions in the 1960s, astronauts collected lunar rocks to bring back to Earth, but to lighten their cargo, they left 96 bags of urine and feces on the Moon. The waste has been sitting there for over 60 years. Astrobiologists have considered retrieving it to see if the bacteria inside evolved due to the Moon’s high radiation levels.Studying this waste could offer insights into how microorganisms survive in extreme environments, potentially informing future long-term missions to the Moon or Mars.2. Golf Balls on the MoonIn 1971, astronaut Alan Shepard brought a golf club head and a few golf balls to the Moon. He attached the club head to a rock-collecting tool and famously hit a couple of balls. According to Shepard, they traveled hundreds of meters and were left behind. This playful act remains one of the most iconic “light-hearted” moments in the history of space exploration, showing astronauts could find fun even millions of miles from home.3. The Voyager Golden RecordWhen Voyager 1 and 2 launched in 1977, they carried a 30-centimeter golden LP record. Created by Carl Sagan, it contains greetings in 55 languages, 115 images, and a 90-minute mix of music from across human history. The record was designed to be discovered by alien civilizations.Voyager is still drifting through space, with no known visitors yet. The record is a remarkable snapshot of humanity, blending science, culture, and art into a message intended to outlast generations of humans themselves.4. Lost Space ToolsEven astronauts lose tools in space. In 2006, Astronaut Piers Sellers accidentally let go of his spatula while spacewalking outside the International Space Station. The spatula now drifts silently in orbit, ready for any hypothetical alien cooking adventures. It’s a reminder that in microgravity, even simple tasks become unpredictable, and lost items can float away indefinitely.5. Floating Urine in SpaceBefore pee recycling systems were installed, astronauts would dump urine overboard while aboard spacecraft. In the vacuum of space, it crystallized into tiny floating debris. Astronauts described the sight as unexpectedly beautiful, like sparkling frozen particles drifting endlessly. Today, urine is recycled into drinkable water, reducing debris and helping crews stay hydrated, highlighting the ingenuity needed for long-term life in space.6. The Lost Astronaut GloveOne of the first items ever lost in space was a glove. During the 1965 Gemini 4 mission, Ed White’s glove drifted away and stayed in orbit for about a month before burning up upon reentry into Earth’s atmosphere. The lost glove symbolizes the fragile and unpredictable nature of early space missions, where even a single piece of equipment could be permanently lost.7. Unused Space CargoSometimes NASA intentionally discards items. In 2007, a 635-kilogram tank of ammonia was jettisoned from a space station after an upgrade made it unnecessary. It burned up in the atmosphere over the South Pacific Ocean a year later. Disposing of items in space is carefully calculated, as debris can pose risks to satellites and spacecraft, showing that even cleanup in orbit requires strategy.8. Ashes in OrbitLegendary Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry requested his ashes be sent into space. In 1992, a small capsule containing his ashes was released from a spaceship and likely burned up during reentry. This unique tribute blends human culture with space exploration, reflecting how space has become a canvas for personal and symbolic gestures.9. Hidden Lunar ArtSculptor Forrest Myers created a ceramic wafer with sketches from six artists, including Andy Warhol, hoping to get it to the Moon on Apollo 12. An engineer hid it under the lunar module’s gold blanket. NASA never officially confirmed it, but Myers claims it did crash on the Moon. This story underscores the lengths artists and enthusiasts will go to leave a mark on the cosmos, blending creativity with adventure.10. Family Photos on the MoonDuring Apollo 16, astronaut Charles Duke left a photo of himself, his wife, and children on the Moon. On the back, he wrote: “This is the family of Astronaut Duke from Planet Earth. Landed on the Moon, April 1972.” This personal gesture reminds us that astronauts carry the weight of human emotion into space, leaving traces of home in the most alien environments imaginable.11. Fallen Astronaut StatuetteApollo 15 astronauts left a small aluminum figure called the Fallen Astronaut on the Moon, along with a plaque listing 14 astronauts who had died on previous missions. It remains a poignant tribute. This solemn memorial highlights the risks of space travel and the respect astronauts have for those who paved the way, serving as a quiet reminder of the sacrifices involved in exploring the final frontier.12. Messages from EarthApollo 11 left over 100 items behind to reduce weight, including cameras, space gear, and a small silicone disk engraved with nearly 100 messages from NASA employees and world leaders. The disk remains on the Moon, a quiet message from humanity for future explorers. It stands as both a time capsule and a symbolic gesture of human curiosity, bridging the past with the possibilities of the future.