What is the name of the episode where Howard goes to space?

The episode where Howard goes to space is “The Countdown Reflection.” It is the Season 5 finale of The Big Bang Theory, first broadcast on May 10, 2012.

The story is framed around Howard sitting in a Soyuz capsule with astronauts Mike Massimino and Dimitri Rezinov, preparing to launch toward the International Space Station. Flashbacks reveal the frantic events leading up to the launch, including Howard and Bernadette’s last-minute wedding on the roof of Leonard and Sheldon’s apartment building.

Howard’s spaceflight is a major turning point because it transforms his long-running identity as the group’s astronaut engineer into an actual achievement. The episode also balances the technical spectacle with personal comedy: Howard is terrified, Bernadette is emotional, and Sheldon unexpectedly takes Amy’s hand while the group watches the launch.

Viewers sometimes confuse this title with episodes involving Howard’s engineering work or NASA connections, but “The Countdown Reflection” is the canonical episode title.