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Bottle of Space Sake Sold for Astonishing Sum: How Much Did It Cost?
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Culture & Society

Bottle of Space Sake Sold for Astonishing Sum: How Much Did It Cost?

From Delfi · (8m ago) Lithuanian Positive tone

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Sake producer Dassai collaborated with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to create specialized brewing equipment for the International Space Station (ISS).
  • An alcohol fermentation process was conducted in simulated lunar gravity aboard the ISS, with the resulting 'space sake' returning to Earth for brewing.
  • A 100ml bottle of the resulting 116ml sake was sold for 110 million yen ($686,000 USD), with proceeds funding Japanese space development projects.

In a groundbreaking fusion of culinary art and space exploration, Japanese sake producer Dassai, in partnership with aerospace giant Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has achieved a remarkable feat: brewing sake in space. This innovative venture saw specialized brewing equipment and sake ingredients sent to the International Space Station (ISS) for a unique fermentation process.

It has a distinct acidity. Its taste is well-balanced and rich

— Dassai spokespersonDescribing the flavor profile of the space-brewed sake.

The experiment involved fermenting the sake in simulated lunar gravity conditions aboard the ISS. Following the successful fermentation, the resulting 'must' was returned to Earth in February. From this precious cargo, 116 milliliters of sake were meticulously brewed in Japan. The final product, bottled in a 100ml container, was then auctioned off to an anonymous buyer for an astonishing 110 million yen, approximately $686,000 USD.

This venture is more than just a novelty; it represents a significant step towards Dassai's ambitious goal of establishing a sake brewery on the Moon by 2050. The company believes that producing sake in lunar gravity conditions, using processes similar to those on Earth, could enhance the quality of life for future lunar inhabitants. The funds raised from the sale will be channeled into supporting Japan's burgeoning space development projects, further fueling the nation's ambitions in space exploration.

This experiment's result proves that it is possible to produce sake even in lunar gravity conditions, using a process similar to that used on Earth

— DassaiStating the implications of the space sake experiment.

The sake itself is described as having a distinct acidity, with a well-balanced and rich flavor profile. This successful experiment not only pushes the boundaries of food production but also underscores Japan's innovative spirit and its long-term vision for space colonization. The unique circumstances of its creation make this bottle of sake a truly historic artifact, symbolizing the intersection of tradition, technology, and the boundless possibilities of space.

We want to build a sake brewery on the Moon by 2050 to improve the quality of life for future lunar inhabitants

— DassaiOutlining the company's long-term vision for lunar development.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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