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There's a cuddly pink owl at the International Space Station and people are excited

jasonrdavis/Twitter/NASA
jasonrdavis/Twitter/NASA

Here's Astro Jeff doing important space work underneath a fluffy pink owl.

The stuffed bird belongs to Russian cosmonaut Alexei Ovchinin, who unveiled it at a press conference before journeying to the International Space Station on Friday.

Here's Ovchinin with his owl.

The pink toy was a present from Ovchinin's daughter. He left for the space laboratory in the Russian-made Soyuz craft with fellow cosmonaut Oleg Skripochka, and NASA's Jeff Williams.

NASA live-streamed the launch. With the crew strapped in, the owl was left to float around the rocket ship, a lovable mascot, flying miles above the earth on a wonderful adventure.

People were soon enchanted by the fluffy gift. It's captured imaginations, and many have paid tribute.

We also wish the space owl all the best with its mission.

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