NASA, we have a lager!

The Sapporo brewery in Japan announced that it plans to launch a “space beer” by the end of the year. And yes, it is exactly what it sounds like – a beer for astronauts to enjoy in space.

Only 100 bottles are planned and there are no plans to make it available for commercial sale any time soon.

What makes it different from real beer? Well, space grain for one. The beer is brewed with third generation barley grains grown at the International Space Station. Barley was considered a good choice to experiment on in space as it is hardy and rich in fiber and nutrients. Biologist Manabu Sugimoto, who worked with Sapporo on the project has said that no differences have yet been detected between Earth-grown barley and space-grown barley (other than the funny tin hats – ok, I made that last part up).

The idea to create the beer grew out of a project to prepare for a future in which humans spend extended periods of time in space. And of course, after a long day on a space walk, who wouldn’t want a good beer?

(Image: Newscom)