Life

We're About To Shoot WHAT Into Space?

by Melanie Kozak

Aug. 5, 2015

Space: The vast, beautiful foreverness which holds all of the answers and questions of the meaning of our creation. Am I the only one that thinks it's missing something? Something like, maybe, whisky? Well, worry no more: Suntory Holdings, a Japanese brewery and distillery, recently announced that it's going to send whisky into space (and yes, this particular company spells it "whisky," as opposed to "whiskey"). Prepare yourselves for a heart round of applause from astronauts everywhere.

On August 16, the company is launching a brand new, non-aged whisky and a 21-year-old single malt to the International Space Station (ISS) in small glass flasks. The company is interested in how the zero-gravity environment will affect the taste, so the whisky will stay onboard the ISS for at least a year. Once back on Earth, scientists or "blend experts" will taste and compare the space whisky with those that were aged boringly on our own planet. (Side note: how does one get a career as a blend expert?)

Any whiskey drinker like me out there knows that the best whisky is smooth whisky. However, they also know that it's the most expensive, too. Why? Because it's harder and takes longer to create. The longer a whisky is aged, the smoother it is. Also, the more stable the temperature in the environment where the whisky is aged, the mellower the result. The problem is that the recent demand increase for whisky is leaving distilleries in short supply of their old-aged blends. (I feel like some of this may be my fault.) Anyway, Suntory is hoping the stable environment of the ISS will give them some insight into how to make smooth, mellow whisky. Yes please!

But whiskey is far from the most unique thing sent into space. Here are some other odd things that have made their way to the stars over the years.

1. Lightsaber

Because, obviously astronauts need protection. Luke Skywalker's Lightsaber, a prop from the original Star Wars films, went up to space in 2007.

2. Buzz Lightyear

Buzz's dream was to go to infinity and beyond. Why deny him of this?

3. The Beatles

OK, not all of them, but the song "Across The Universe" did make it to the great beyond.

4. A Saxophone

Gives a new meaning to the term "space jam."

5. Craigslist

100,000 Craigslist advertisements, including "Free kittens to a good home," because going to space is no excuse to fall behind on searching for a deal on a new sleeper sofa.