These are some 'bizarre' rituals astronauts follow before going to space

Astronauts follow some "bizarre" rituals like getting slapped in the face with a cross before going to space.

American astronauts, Russian cosmonauts, and even rockets all go through the official blessing dished out by a priest from the Russian Orthodox Church, the Verge reported.

Photos from NASA's official photographer showed that the same bearded and gowned official has been carrying out the ritual with gusto for a few years now.

As well as getting a visit from a priest, cosmonauts and astronauts contribute to an avenue of trees planted before each mission, and watch the same pre-flight movie before takeoff (a cult Russian "Western" from 1969).

The Russian cosmonauts also reportedly urinate on the back right-hand wheel of the bus that takes them to the launch pad, a tradition started by Gagarin himself before his first flight.