Astronaut Gerst found solace in reading literature from the "Yps" series during his space mission
In the annals of German children's magazines, 'Yps' holds a special place, having been a popular read for several decades. First published in West Germany in 1975, the magazine, known for its comics, quizzes, and puzzles, reached its peak circulation of over 400,000 copies in the 1970s and 1980s.
One notable individual who fondly remembers 'Yps' is German astronaut Alexander Gerst. During his illustrious career, Gerst has flown into space twice, the first time being on May 28, 2014, and taking command of the space station during his second mission in 2018.
Gerst has occasionally shared his memories of reading 'Yps' as a child, but there is no documented record of the specific quiz question that he found memorable or his answer at the time. One quiz that he recalls is titled "Are you suitable to become an astronaut?" However, the exact first question he found intriguing remains unknown.
Fast forward to 2025, 'Yps' is set to make a comeback for its 50th anniversary. A special edition will be released on September 4, 2025, as announced by the publisher Egmont Ehapa. This revival is sure to excite many, including Gerst, who still owns a 'Yps' T-shirt that he occasionally wears to parties.
Interestingly, 'Yps' was modelled after a communist youth magazine from France. Despite its origins, the magazine became a staple in West Germany, influencing generations of children. The magazine was discontinued before its planned comeback for the 50th anniversary but is now set to return, much to the delight of its fans.
Alexander Gerst, the first German to command the space station, is undoubtedly a testament to the potential and dreams that 'Yps' once ignited in its readers. As 'Yps' prepares for its comeback, it's a reminder of the impact that such magazines can have on shaping the future.
In his reminiscing of childhood days, Alexander Gerst, the astronaut who commanded the space station, recalls the space-and-astronomy themed quizzes from 'Yps', the German magazine he fondly recalls. Enthusiastically anticipating its 50th anniversary comeback in 2025, Gerst still owns a 'Yps' T-shirt and sees it as a symbol of the science-oriented entertainment that sparked his dreams of space exploration.
